Employee screening process to change

Beginning Wednesday, employees who answer COVID-19 screening questions online no longer will undergo temperature checks to enter a USA Health facility.

The online COVID-19 screening website, found at usahealthsystem.com/attest, includes a question about the presence of fever, said Sharon Ezelle, director of quality and safety for USA Health. “For the safety of all patients, visitors and staff, it is the responsibility of each employee to monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and, if present, immediately notify their supervisors,” Ezelle said.

In addition to fever, other symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell.

Online COVID-19 screening, introduced in May, is becoming an industry standard and makes things more convenient and safe for staff.

Ezelle said employees can speed along the screening process by completing the online questionnaire prior to reaching the entry point. After answering the questions, employees receive a green or red result. A green result indicates the employee is cleared for entry while a red result directs the employee to a contact for further instructions. USA Health screeners also are available at the door to answer questions from employees about accessing the online screening website.

Patients and visitors will continue to undergo questions and temperature checks by screeners before entering USA Health facilities.