More Institutions Require People to Prove Their COVID-19 Status. Help Yourself by Helping Them

While the idea of governmental vaccine “passports” (documentation showing that an individual has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19) is unlikely to catch on at a national level, schools already require students who have been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19 to show a negative test before returning to class. Some fitness centers are offering classes with relaxed mask requirements exclusively for members who can prove they’re fully vaccinated. And the Miami Heat basketball team has taken that idea even further by setting aside a section of seats where documented fully protected fans can catch a game without social distancing, mask-free.  Some of these rules are being criticized by people who find them intrusive, but they could also be an opportunity for urgent care operators to both draw new revenue and bring in countless new patients. GoHealth Urgent Care, for one, announced recently that they’ve partnered with American Airlines to provide pre-flight COVID-19 testing for passengers at more than 150 locations nationwide. Travelers will have the option of having a PCR or Rapid Molecular COVID-19 Test at a local GoHealth center to ensure they’ve fulfilled the travel requirements for their destination 2 to 3 days before their trip (or same-day if the patient chooses the rapid test). Check with businesses in your area to see what their requirements for workers and customers are. If they’re encouraging employees to vaccinate and you have a supply, offer to run an on-site event. Let them know you’re ready and able to test the whole workforce. Whether people like it or not, we’re re-entering everyday life with a different set of standards. Being part of the solution can only benefit you and your community.