Many companies are beginning to screen employees as they come into work to minimize the total workforce’s potential exposure to COVID-19. The costs and risks of doing this are low when following CDC guidelines. Companies wishing to implement temperature screening should follow the following guidelines:
- Employees waiting to be screened should maintain social distancing recommendations (6 feet).
- Employees and should wait 30 minutes before taking the temp following eating, drinking, or exercise.
- Employees should wait six hours after taking aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
- The person taking the temperatures should be wearing an N95 facemask, nitrile gloves (or equivalent), and, if possible, a non-contact thermometer. [If a non-contact thermometer is not available, a plan should be developed to eliminate the potential for exposure between individuals during the screening process.]
- The medical threshold for a fever (in the screening standard for COVID-19) is 100.4°F. It is also recommended that a medical professional be called if the temperature goes over 102°F.