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Key Points
Updated: May 23, 2020
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Please note: we will not have a post this upcoming Monday, May 25, 2020. Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend; see you back here on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.
ICYMI Weekly Recap (May 18-23)
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As states and regions (in US and around-the-world) are re-opening, things may seem okay at the start; however, we will not know the impacts of re-opening for at least a few weeks.
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Our daily newsletters have begun shifting towards Return to Work. We will begin to address things like assessing travel risks, re-opening businesses (both structurally and system-wide), keeping deliveries safe, testing employees for COVID-19, etc.
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The CDC has released its COVID-19 Opening Guidance (Appendix F; page 40).
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As part of Return to Work, TAG has new downloadable graphics for businesses, including “A Day in the Life”, an updated “Preventive Controls Hierarchy”, and “Proper Mask Usage” graphics in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese). Download them on the COVID-19 Downloadable Resources page.
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The FDA released an infosheet on “Coronavirus Testing Basics” – breaking down the difference between different tests.
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We have discussed COVID-19 testing, frequently! From should you be doing it? to breaking down why you would not want to use antibody tests as part of your wellness screenings. What are the differences between diagnostic testing and antibody testing; how can this be applied to your business? Read more, here!
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The FDA has removed some antibody tests from its growing list.
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FDA’s updates on antibody testing also support TAG recommendations: know what you’ll do with the results.
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TAG addresses the various questions on airflow and HVAC systems; it is indeed a complex situation.
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Masks and face coverings are protective; but, what should we do with them when we’re eating? Read more, here!
Our Daily Newsletter Archive page is updated to reflect everything that has happened.
Recommendations for
the Food Industry
Saturday: We will not have a post this upcoming Monday, May 25, 2020. Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend; see you back here on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.
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Friday: FDA Update on Antibody Testing Supports TAG Recommendations.
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FDA has removed some antibody tests from its EUA list, revised its policy, and made recommendations for the use of the tests. The changes support TAG’s recommendations that anyone considering antibody tests fully understand the test capabilities and specificities and what they can and will do with the results.
In brief:
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FDA posted a list of antibody tests that are being removed from the “notification list” of tests being offered under the Policy for Coronavirus Disease-2019 Tests During the Public Health Emergency.
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The revised policy increases specifications for validation data and specificity and sensitivity thresholds for serology test developers.
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This is being done because FDA has seen “unscrupulous actors marketing fraudulent test kits and using the pandemic as an opportunity to take advantage of Americans’ anxiety” with false claims.
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FDA states that those who use an antibody test need to understand its limitations and use test results as just one piece of data to inform decision making. All tests can provide at least some false results and have inherent limitations
“That is why antibody tests should only be used as part of a well-conceived testing plan and why the results should always be interpreted by appropriate experts,” the policy states.
Outbreak Updates
As of May 23, 2020 (10:30 ET), there are over 5,240,000 cases (>338,000 deaths) worldwide.
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Due to the increasing number of cases in the United States, TAG will move from reporting counts per country to focus on the United States, please see here for the data. For further information regarding worldwide numbers, please refer to John Hopkin University’s aggregate map.
Keep up to date with COVID-19:
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Please send us any questions, comments, and/or concerns! We are happy to talk with you.
OR call us at 1-800-401-2239
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