Category: COVID-19

WHAT SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND PARENTS NEED TO KNOW REGARDING COVID-19

INFORMATION AS OF AUGUST 12, 2022

WHAT IS THE UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS?

As of August 11, 2022, the CDC has removed the recommendation that kids in different classrooms avoid mixing, a practice known as “cohorting.” The CDC also removed advice that kids in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 take regular tests — and test negative — to remain in the classroom, which was known as “test-to-stay.” How can we keep ourselves and our families safe with the new guidelines?

President of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation’s largest teachers’ unions, Randi Weingarten told CNN, “COVID-19 and other viruses are still with us, but with multiple prevention and treatment options available, now is not the time for new mandates. Instead, let’s ensure these tools are available and accessible: vaccines, testing and masks (and no stigma for those who mask),”

Summary of the CDC’s Updated COVID-19 Prevention Strategies (full recommendations on CDC website):

• Monitoring COVID-19 Community Levels to guide COVID-19 prevention efforts
• Nonpharmaceutical interventions
• Testing for current infection. Diagnostic testing can identify infections early so that infected persons can take action to reduce their risk of transmitting the virus and receive treatment, if clinically indicated, to reduce their risk for severe illness and death;
• All persons should seek testing for active infection when they are symptomatic or if they have a known or suspected exposure to someone with COVID-19;
• When testing asymptomatic persons with no known exposure, public health officials might prioritize high-risk congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and workplace settings that include congregate housing with limited access to medical care. In these types of high-risk congregate environments, screening testing might complement diagnostic testing of symptomatic persons by identifying asymptomatic infected persons
• When implemented, screening testing strategies should include all persons, irrespective of vaccination status. Screening testing might not be cost-effective in general community settings, especially if COVID-19 prevalence is low;
• It’s no longer recommending that adults and children quarantine after having been exposed to COVID-19.
• Managing SARS-CoV-2 exposures

WHAT TO DO WHEN RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER POSSIBLE EXPOSURE

The CDC suggests that those who are exposed to COVID-19 should wear a mask around others indoors while monitoring for symptoms for ten days.

People should also test five days or sooner after exposure if experiencing symptoms. The guidance is the same for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

K-12 SCHOOL DISTRICT TESTING

School administrators will need to assess whether current pandemic circumstances and individual school circumstances justify viral screening testing of students to prevent transmission of COVID-19 in schools.

If a school seeks to implement student/staff screening testing, such testing must meet the CDC standards based on relevant facts. Possible considerations in making the assessment may include the level of community transmission, the vaccination status of students, the accuracy and speed of processing for different types of COVID-19 viral tests, the degree to which breakthrough infections are possible for students who are “up to date” on vaccinations, the ease of transmissibility of the current variant(s), the possible severity of illness from the current variant, what types of contacts students may have with others in school, and the potential impact if a student enters school with COVID-19.

TESTING CAN IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY

Students might have been exposed to COVID-19 at the end of summer. They might feel well and not have any symptoms, but they can still be infected and spread the virus to others. Testing confirms that there is no virus spreading in the schools.

All school administrators should remain alert to and informed about changing conditions, including the community spread of the virus and testing availability. They should implement infection prevention and control measures accordingly.

TEST TODAY

GS Labs recognizes that knowledge is power. One of the best ways to stop and lessen community spread is to know your virus status. Book a test today.

TYPES OF TESTING

THE COVID-19 RAPID ANTIGEN TEST

This test is administered with a nasal swab, and GS Labs uses the Indicard Rapid COVID-19 test, which allows results to come back in as little as 30 minutes (wait times may vary depending on volume). MOST insurance providers fully cover this test.

COVID-19 PCR TEST

The PCR test is administered with a nasal swab. This test can detect the virus within days of infection, even in those with no symptoms, because it detects the virus’s RNA (or genetic material). Results of the PCR test come back in 3-5 days. MOST insurance providers fully cover this test.

COVID-19 RAPID PCR TEST

This NAAT-PCR test is administered with a nasal swab. This test’s Limit of Detection (LoD) is among the lowest measured for the FDA SARS-CoV-2 Reference Panel. This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $299.00.

COVID-19 RAPID PCR TEST

This NAAT-LAMP test is administered with a nasal swab.The Limit of Detection (LoD) is also among the lowest measured for the FDA SARSCoV-2 Reference Panel. This test is very similar to PCR, differing only in the lack of temperature fluctuations in the testing process. GS Labs provides NAAT-LAMP results in 30 minutes. This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $299.00.

COVID-19 RAPID & FLU ANTIGEN COMBINED TEST

GS Labs offers one test to detect two contagious respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 and Influenza. The COVID-19 Rapid & Flu Antigen Combined test detects COVID-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B. This test is administered with a nasal swab and can provide results in as little as 20 minutes (wait times may vary depending on volume). This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $199.00.

ABOUT GS LABS

GS Labs Testing provides COVID-19 testing and peace of mind to multiple communities throughout the US. Our team of professional staff, including Registered Nurses on site, are here to help make the COVID-19 testing process safe and simple, to deliver your results as quickly as possible.

GS Labs rapid testing facilities are helping communities meet the needs and challenges of COVID-19 through employing hundreds of local staff and providing rapid COVID-19 testing services. Our goal is simple – easy scheduling, no-wait testing, and timely results.

HOW TESTING WORKS

1. BOOK ONLINE – Select your location and complete registration.
2. ARRIVE AT APPOINTMENT – Pull into a designated parking spot. No waiting in line!
3. GET RAPID TEST RESULTS – Check your email for results within 20 minutes!

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL

* CDC offers the following considerations to slow the spread of COVID-19 during small gatherings. These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which all gatherings must comply.

Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread. Your household is anyone who currently lives and shares common spaces in your housing unit (such as your house or apartment). This can include family members, as well as roommates or people who are unrelated to you. People who do not currently live in your housing unit, such as college students who are returning home from school for the holidays, should be considered part of different households. In-person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, pose varying levels of risk.

Do not host or participate in any in-person gatherings if you or anyone in your household:

• Has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others
• Has symptoms of COVID-19
• Is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results
• May have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• Is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19

Do not host or attend gatherings with anyone who has COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

 

BA.2 Omicron Variant 

Many restrictions for COVID-19 have been lifted across the United States, which has led to most places no longer requiring masks or proof of vaccination upon entrance.

BA.2 Omicron Variant came to the U.S. last week and is on track to displace BA.1 Omicron. This variant spreads 30% to 80% faster than the BA.1 variant. It has now been described as the most transmissible variant we’ve seen thus far, according to the World Health Organization official, Maria Van Kerkhove.

Luckily, the symptoms of the BA.2 variant do not appear to differ from those of the BA.1 variant, but because it is so easily transmissible was expected that cases would rise across the U.S. Dr. Fauci did not predict that there would be a big surge, but that cases would rise within the next couple of weeks. 

According to the CDC, this has held true as the BA.2 variant has caused 85% of all COVID-19 cases.

There is hope that the BA.2 variant will continue to show less severe symptoms, and coupling that with more testing and vaccination rates, the terminal numbers will stay low. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are a runny nose and fatigue. If you are unsure of your symptoms, it is best to get tested for COVID-19. 

If you begin to feel sick, be sure to stay home. Head to GS Labs to get tested for COVID-19 or Flu A&B to ensure you keep yourself and those around you safe.

GS Labs provides COVID-19 testing to multiple communities throughout the United States. Our professionals are committed to making the testing process safe and convenient, delivering results to you as quickly as possible. 

Getting tested often will continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

GS Labs Site Offers Various COVID Tests; Results In As Little One Hour

CARMEL, IN – As the need for COVID-19 rapid tests continues, one of the largest private testing laboratories in the nation is re-opening a testing location Carmel.

GS Labs offers rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, Rapid PCR and LAMP tests, and a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test, all by appointment seven days a week at 1005 W. Main St., Carmel. While this is the sole site in Indiana, the company currently operates about two dozen labs in eight other states.

Having tested more than 1.2 million patients through February, GS Labs, headquartered in Omaha, is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests across the nation. So far this year, the company has performed more than 245,000 rapid antigen tests nationally. These tests have identified more than 53,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these individuals the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“Testing remains an important part of our nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Our tests provide customers with quick answers to make the right healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes the rapid antigen test for $179 – which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes – and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in 2 to 5 days. Both tests have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance.

Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each. These tests, ideal for travel or screening testing, are available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only. Appointments for all tests must be made online prior to arrival at https://gslabstesting.com/.

WHAT: GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS IN CARMEL
WHERE: 1005 W. MAIN ST., CARMEL, IN 46032
WHEN: WEEKDAYS 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M.; WEEKENDS 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

If you are attending an upcoming gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test 1 to 3 days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety options you may wish to consider include:

• Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
• Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Avoid shouting and singing, especially in indoor spaces.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Also consider getting a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after you return home from travel.
• Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel.

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com

New GS Labs Site Offers Variety of Tests with Results in About 1 Hour

PORTLAND, OR – GS Labs, one of the largest private testing labs in the country, announced today that it has opened a new COVID-19 testing site in Portland to provide fast, accurate results to people needing critical medical information as the Omicron variant continues to spread.

The new testing site is the third Portland location operated by GS Labs. The new Portland location is at 2110 SE 82nd Ave. GS Labs also operates Portland-area locations at 10935 SW 68^th Parkway and 12601 SE 2^nd Circle in Vancouver, WA.

Having recently tested its millionth patient, GS Labs, headquartered in Omaha, is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in Oregon and across the nation. So far this year, the company has performed nearly 235,000 rapid antigen tests nationally. These tests have identified nearly 53,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these individuals the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“COVID testing remains an important way to help contain infections,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “GS Labs now offers three locations in the Portland area – all open seven days a week – to obtain a variety of accurate tests with timely results to give our customers the best information to make healthcare decisions.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes rapid antigen test for $179 – which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes – and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in 2 to 5 days. Both tests have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance. Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each. These tests, ideal for travel or screening testing, are available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only.

Appointments for all tests must be made online prior to arrival at https://gslabstesting.com/.

WHAT: GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS IN PORTLAND

WHERE: 2110 SE 82^nd AVE PORTLAND, OR 97216

WHEN: WEEKDAYS 7 A.M. TO 6 P.M.; WEEKENDS 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

If you are attending a gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test one to three days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

• Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth while in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
• Given the sustained infection levels in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings.
• Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Avoid shouting and singing, especially indoors.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Also consider getting a COVID-19 test three to five days after you return home from a trip.
• Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full seven days after travel.

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com.

New GS Labs site offering variety of tests with results in about 1 hour

LINCOLN, NEB. – With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 still spreading in the community, one of the largest private testing laboratories in the nation is opening a new testing location in Lincoln.

GS Labs offers rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, Rapid PCR and LAMP tests, and a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test, all by appointment daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends at 8633 Andermatt Dr., Lincoln.

Having recently tested its millionth patient, GS Labs, headquartered in Omaha, is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in Nebraska and across the nation. So far this year, the company has performed nearly 235,000 rapid antigen tests nationally. These tests have identified nearly 53,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these individuals the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“Testing remains an important part of our nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Our tests provide customers with quick answers to make the right health care decisions for themselves and their loved ones.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes rapid antigen test for $179 – which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes – and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in 2 to 5 days. Both tests have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance. Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each. These tests, ideal for travel or screening testing, are available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only.

WHAT: GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS IN LINCOLN

WHERE: 8633 ANDERMATT DR. LINCOLN, NE 68526

WHEN: WHEN: 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. WEEKDAYS; 9 A.M TO 5 P.M. WEEKENDS

 

If you are attending a gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test one to three days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

• Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth while in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
• Given the sustained infection levels in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings.
• Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Avoid shouting and singing, especially indoors.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Also consider getting a COVID-19 test three to five days after you return home from a trip.
• Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full seven days after travel.

 

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com.

GS Labs Offers Various COVID Tests; Results In As Little One Hour

DES MOINES – As the need for COVID-19 testing continues, one of the largest private testing laboratories in the U.S. has opened its second Des Moines-area testing location at 409 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA, 50023. GS Labs offers rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, Rapid PCR and LAMP tests, and now a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test, all by appointment seven days a week. This new site in Ankeny is an addition to GS Labs’ other metro location at 8801 University Ave, Suite C45 in Clive.

Having recently tested its millionth patient, GS Labs is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in the Des Moines metro and across the United States. Last week, the company performed more than 55,000 rapid antigen tests nationally, an increase of 65 percent compared to Thanksgiving week. Tests administered by GS Labs that week identified more than 13,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these patients the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“As the pandemic stretches on and the demand for COVID testing continues, we are adding capacity at our second metro area site to support the Des Moines community,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Thanks to our dedicated and growing team of healthcare professionals, we now offer our full range of testing services at two metro locations.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes the rapid antigen test for $179 which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in two to five days; both have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance. Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each that are ideal for travel or screening testing, available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only. Appointments for all test types must be made online prior to arrival.

WHAT: ADDITIONAL GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS

WHERE: 409 S. ANKENY BLVD, ANKENY, IA 50023

WHEN: 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. WEEKDAYS; 9 A.M TO 5 P.M. WEEKENDS

If you are attending an upcoming gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test 1 to 3 days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

• Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated. 
• Given the sustained surge in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings.
• Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Avoid shouting and singing, especially in indoor spaces.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Also consider getting a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after you return home from your trip.
• Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel.

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com

 

From One Location 16 Months Ago, Company’s Current Footprint Includes 25 Locations Across Eight States; Entrepreneurs Proud Of “Team’s Contribution to Public Health”

OMAHA – GS Labs, a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid tests across the United States, passed a unique milestone in January, when the company performed its one millionth COVID-19 test on a patient since beginning to offer testing in October 2020.

Headquartered in Omaha, GS Labs entered the COVID-19 testing space as the pandemic initially swept through Nebraska and the Midwest. At the time, loved ones and friends of the company’s partners could not find COVID-19 tests anywhere after being exposed to the coronavirus. From that initial location, the company has expanded across the U.S.; its current business footprint including 25 locations in eight states. New locations are being stood up weekly in response to community and patient demand.

“Initially, this was personal for us,” said Kirk Thompson, a partner with the company. “We view our business as a combination of entrepreneurship and public service, and a way for our team to use our years of expertise for the public good. At a time when the national healthcare system was unable to provide testing for communities, families and individuals in need, we stepped up – and we remain very proud of that effort.”

To date, GS Labs has invested tens of millions of dollars to build a national operation, including establishing testing sites, hiring nearly 3,000 essential workers, and developing infrastructure to handle internal billing, compliance, communications, marketing in multiple markets, and the labs’ 24-hour hotline, staffed by registered nurses.

GS Labs’ state-of-the-art custom technology platform serves as many as 1,000 patients per day at each location, seven days a week. The digital platform allows patients to book within 15 minutes of their proposed appointment and to receive accurate rapid results in as little as 20 minutes after the completion of a rapid antigen test. Locations typically offer multiple types of tests, depending on availability, including the rapid antigen test; a standard PCR test; rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests; and a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test.

Last week, the company performed more than 55,000 rapid antigen tests nationally, an increase of 65 percent compared to Thanksgiving week. Tests administered by GS Labs that week identified more than 13,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these patients the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

To date, GS Labs has identified more than 180,000 patients positive for COVID-19.

“That’s the equivalent of a small Midwestern city who was given potentially lifesaving medical information,” said Thompson. “We are so proud of our team and their tireless work ethic. They’ve been there each and every day, through subzero temperatures and snowstorms, concerns for the health of their families and through early mornings and late nights. Their commitment to the communities we serve is a testament to what a business can do when it’s determined to step up.”