The CDC has issued a guidance document Testing Strategy for COVID-19 in High-Density Critical Infrastructure Workplaces after a COVID-19 Case is Identified. 

The CDC recommends:-

• A risk-based approach for testing co-workers of an employee confirmed with COVID-19                               

• Testing known exposed co-workers

• Testing co-workers on the same shift but in different areas of the establishment

• Testing co-workers who have shared common spaces such as breakrooms and locker rooms.

CDC recommends a comprehensive testing strategy to protect workers although the implication is that plants will continue functioning.  To be effective, a policy to prevent lateral spread of COVID-19 must incorporate provisions for paid leave so that infected workers may undergo quarantine in addition to precautions to prevent transmission including social distancing and PPE.

The Tier-3 testing of co-workers who have shared common spaces implies that virtually all employees on a specific shift would have to be tested.  This is completely impractical and at best very expensive and will probably not be part of a routine response.  In the absence of an effective vaccine regimen, companies can implement a program limiting infection among workers until the level of immunity eventually attains 80 percent of the workforce.  Even then, new workers that have not been previously exposed or vaccinated will be susceptible when introduced into the plant.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 will be a factor in recruitment, health maintenance, operations and will influence plant efficiency for many years to come.