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COVID-19 Testing Program
DOC COVID-19 Coordination Team
August 2022
Introduction
In accordance with Safer Federal Workforce guidance regarding testing for federal employees,
the Department of Commerce (DOC) established a COVID-19 Testing Program.
Testing will be available according to mission needs as directed by to the Safer Federal
Workforce (SFW) Task Force, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC), and other
sources of Federal guidance.
According to the CDC, there are two types of testing for COVID-19. Point-in-time tests are
intended to identify people with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic and do not have known,
suspected, or reported exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Point-in-time testing helps to identify unknown
cases so that measures can be taken to prevent further transmission. Diagnostic tests help
identify current infection in individuals, including those with signs or symptoms consistent with
COVID-19 and/or following recent known or suspected exposure.
Given operational and administrative considerations associated with differing roles, functions, or
work environments, bureaus are required to adhere to the following general principles in
implementing their testing and protocols:
• DOC does not implement point-in-time testing when COVID-19 Community Levels are LOW,
or for settings, roles, and functions within DOC facilities that are not considered high-risk.
• DOC, according to mission and operational needs, may implement point-in-time testing
procedures that do not differentiate among individuals based on COVID-19 vaccination
status in high-risk settings.
• Bureaus that implement a point-in-time testing program should do so in coordination with
the Department and the SFW Task Force and should remain up to date with all Federal
guidance related to point-in-time testing.
Point-in-Time Testing
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Washington, D.C. 20230
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• Employees enrolled in a point-in-time testing program should be tested at least twice weekly
for any week during which they work onsite or interact in person with members of the public
as part of their job duties. The test can be both self-administered and self-read by the
employee if the agency has the employee certify as to when they took the test and that they
received a negative result.
• When DOC requires diagnostic testing for employees, it provides employees with such
diagnostic testing at no cost to the employee, such as through the screening testing
program, in-house capabilities for diagnostic testing at the worksite, or through an
alternative process the DOC determines.
o This includes any testing required for employees who have had probable or
confirmed COVID-19 and who have been isolating, prior to such employees returning
to a Federal workplace or interacting with the public as part of their official
responsibilities.
• When CDC recommends that travelers consider COVID-19 testing for current SARS-CoV-2
infection with a viral test prior to or following travel, DOC employees traveling on official
business should consider being tested consistent with such CDC guidance.
o When CDC otherwise recommends or requires COVID-19 testing prior to or following
travel, DOC requires employees traveling on official business be tested consistent
with such CDC guidance, pursuant to Executive Order 13991.
o DOC may provide any recommended testing and will provide for any required testing
associated with official travel at no cost to the employee, such as through the
screening testing program, in-house capabilities for diagnostic testing at the worksite,
or through an alternative process determined by DOC.
o The cost of such testing recommended or required for official travel, and not
available through a Federal dispensary or not covered (or reimbursable) through
travel insurance, can be claimed in a travel voucher as a Miscellaneous Expense
under DOC travel policies.
• DOC is not responsible for providing diagnostic testing to an individual as a result of a
potential exposure that is not work-related. An employee or contractor employee who
comes into close contact with a person with COVID-19 outside of work should follow CDC
guidelines for testing and quarantine consistent with their vaccination status.
• Under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordkeeping requirements, if
an employee tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the case must be recorded on the OSHA
Illness and Injury Log if each of the following conditions are met:
o The case is a confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Diagnostic Testing
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Testing Results and Information
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o The case is work-related (as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5).
o The case involves one or more relevant recording criteria (set forth in 29 CFR 1904.7)
(e.g., medical treatment beyond first aid, days away from work, etc.).
• Any employee who tests positive must follow DOC Isolation Policy found on the COVID-19
Information Hub.
• Bureaus are required to pay for the cost of testing pursuant to their programs.
o Bureaus are responsible for paying the cost of required testing should an employee
visit another Federal agency if approved in advance.
o Employees may also use free testing options if they otherwise meet the FDA
authorization, individual Bureau, and documentation requirements.
• Time spent on testing required by the program, including travel to an authorized site, is duty
time.
o Employees do not need to take administrative leave for testing.
• Pre-approved testing expenses, if incurred, should be documented and submitted through
normal reporting channels.
Funding, Costs, and Duty Time
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Situation
Covered
Individuals
Allowable Tests
Time and Payment
Point-in-time
Testing for
Employees as
Indicated by
Bureau
Any employee
covered in a
bureau-sponsored
point-in-time high-
risk testing
program
In general, any FDA
authorized test may
be used for
screening. Tests may
be both self-
administered and
self-read. Tests or
protocols should
have a means of
verifying the date
and result of the test
taken. Examples of
allowable tests
include point-of-
care, in-house, and
over-the-counter if
observed by a
designated agency
person of contact or
authorized
telehealth provider.
Given the priority of
timely results, rapid
antigen testing is the
preferred method of
screening. For
unique situations,
such as official
travel, further
standards may need
to be met, including
for international
travel.
Bureaus are
responsible for
paying for the cost of
testing pursuant to
the program. Time
spent on testing
required by the
program, including
travel to an
authorized testing
site is considered
duty time. Pre-
approved testing
expenses, if
incurred, should be
documented and
submitted through
normal reporting
channels. Employees
may also use free
testing options if
they otherwise meet
the FDA
authorization,
individual Bureau,
and documentation
requirements.
Point-in-time
Testing Required
to Visit Another
Agency
Employees visiting
another agency in
person who obtain
approval in
advance
Point-in-time
Testing Required
for Official Travel
Employees
approved for
official travel
Diagnostic
Testing for
Suspected or
Confirmed
COVID-19
Employees in
isolation who
need to test for
COVID-19
Simplified Overview
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