Recommendations for Industry

Risk Matrix Update & CDC's New Testing Guidance

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CDC's New Testing Guidance

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CDC has issued new guidelines on COVID-19 testing for current infection, in which it has reduced the considerations for who should get tested to:

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.

• People who have had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.

• People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider or local or state health department.

While TAG agrees that these people should be tested, we continue to advise that there are scenarios in which additional testing (such as that of asymptomatic people) is reasonable and of value, based on your determination as to what will be done with the results.

In testing determination, businesses also should consider the impacts of quarantining while awaiting test results. As CDC states, “If you do get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.”

TAG has been assisting businesses with their COVID-19 and testing considerations since the beginning of the pandemic. Give us a call to assist with yours!

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U.S. Risk Matrix Updates 

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The average U.S. social index value remains at 26 (out of 100), this week, indicating that mobility remains high within the U.S. (The lower the number between 0 – 100, the more people are moving around.) This continues to be the lowest average value for social distancing since this model was created and reflects increased movement of people nationwide.

• Ten (10) states (California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Kentucky, and Michigan) have reversed some of their re-opening policies, which vary by state. These states are indicated by an asterisk (*) in the matrix.

• Twelve (12) states (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Illinois, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Delaware, New Jersey, and Connecticut) are partially re-opening to varying levels. These states are indicated by a cross (†) in the matrix

Ten (10) states, compared to last week’s 7 states, have a TPR greater than 10% indicating they have inadequate testing and/or increasing case counts:

• South Carolina: 24%

• Texas: 19%

• Nevada, Idaho: 16%

• Florida: 14%

• South Dakota, Iowa: 13% 

• Missouri, North Dakota: 12%

• Alabama: 11%

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