Uptake of SARS-CoV-2 workplace testing programs, March 2020 to March 2021

Abstract

Structured AbstractObjectiveTo track uptake of workplace SARS-CoV-2 testing programs using publicly-available data (e.g., press releases), supplementing findings from employer surveys.MethodsWe tracked testing programs reported by 1,159 Canadian and 1,081 international employers across sectors from March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. We analyzed trends in uptake of testing programs, including over time and by workplace setting.Results9.5% (n=110) of Canadian employers and 24.6% (n=266) of international employers tracked reported testing. The prevalence of reported testing programs was less than 20% in some settings associated with high risk of transmission including retail and customer-facing environments, and indoor and mixed blue collar workplaces.ConclusionsPublicly-available data suggest that fewer employers are testing than indicated by surveys. Workplace safety in high-risk workplaces could be further improved by implementing testing strategies that deploy both screening and diagnostic tests.