Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the joint International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP)/IPIECA Health Committee has worked to ensure that the industry was operating with the most up-to-date and scientifically sound information possible when making decisions that affect workers’ health during the pandemic. The Health Committee has issued periodic statements on COVID-19 testing and updated these accordingly as COVID-19 testing technology and the approaches to isolation and quarantine have evolved continuously throughout the pandemic. The fifth version of this statement is now available.
Testing is an essential tool in continuous evolution to adequately address the COVID-19 pandemic. It faces several challenges and limitations that must be overcome as preventive and mitigation measures are implemented while using the various COVID-19 testing methodologies. Limited societal readiness, lack of available testing infrastructure, and the validity of tests used are some of the principal hurdles to establishing an effective and consistent testing regime. The confusion is further amplified by the rapid development and deployment of new testing methods and protocols by many laboratories and manufacturers, with limited verification of their validity or peer-reviewed research.
The document outlines the main types of tests available and examines approaches to isolation and quarantine for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in oil and gas industry workplaces. It is intended to help companies harmonize protocols for testing and quarantine for the oil and gas industry.