Recruitment Script

CDC Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance (TGS):

Traveler Recruitment Script and FAQs

The following document is intended to be a training document for airport program staff.

Overview:

Engagement with travelers is a crucial element in driving participation in the CDC Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program. As XpresCheck staff, you can help increase participation numbers through your interactions with travelers, but it’s important to utilize accurate information in your conversations.

Recruitment Script:

• Help CDC combat new variants of COVID-19 by participating in our Traveler-based genomic surveillance (TGS) program!

• Participating in our TGS program will help CDC and public health detect new SARS-CoV-2 variants that might be coming into the United States.

• Participation is free, voluntary, and anonymous. Register at our testing booth now and provide self-collected nasal swabs.

• We are asking for two swabs from the lower 1/3 of your nose. One of your swabs will be pooled with swabs from other participants and the samples will all be tested together and provide one result for the group. The second swab will be available if we need to look more closely at a positive pooled sample.

• We will not be collecting any personal identifying information. We will only be asking you some questions about demographics and where you recently traveled and the approximate dates that you had COVID-19 or the last COVID-19 vaccine. You can refuse to answer any questions.

• The results of the nasal swab tests will not be provided to you, and you will not be notified of any test results.

• By participating in the program, you are also eligible for a free rapid antigen test kit to take with you and use whenever you like.

Important Note: Participants will NOT receive any results for their tests (pooled or individual test). Please do not tell travelers they will receive a result from the samples they provide in the airport. Additional FAQs travelers may ask:

• Why should I participate?

  • Getting tested after your flight can help CDC detect new and rare COVID-19 variants. Participation is completely voluntary but important in helping us monitor and combat the spread of COVID-19.

  • Recently COVID-19 testing and reporting has decreased around the globe making it harder for public health officials to detect new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. This program helps identify variants that may be in other countries and detect them early before they spread in the United States.

  • Knowing about new variants early allows doctors and scientists to develop appropriate treatment and prevention recommendations.

• How does testing work?

  • Participation in the program involves the following steps, upon arrival in the U.S. and before you leave the airport: 1) Scan a QR code to register and provide your consent to participate 2) Follow the instructions to collect your samples yourself by swabbing the inside of your lower nostril with a sterile nasal swab. 3) Your sample will be pooled (combined) with swabs of other travelers in the airport. 4) The second sample may be tested later if we need to look more closely at any positive pooled sample. 5) Get your take home rapid antigen self-testing kit that you can use anytime.

• What is a pooled test?

  • A pooled test combines lower nasal swab samples from several people and tests them together. A pooled test shows whether any samples in the pool contains the virus that causes COVID-19 but it does not show which individual in the pool might be infected.

• Who should participate?

  • Individuals 18 years of age and older

• Is this mandatory?

  • No. Participation is voluntary

• What testing will be done on my samples?

  • The samples you provide will be sent to our labs for testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The lab will do testing to determine the variant of the virus. We may test your sample for other viruses and bacteria. Some samples may be sent to CDC for additional testing. These tests are being conducted for public health surveillance purposes and will not be linked back to you or any information that could identify you.

• Why am I being asked to swab twice?

  • Your first swab goes into a pool with other travelers. We will keep the other swab for a few days in case we need to look more closely at any positive pooled sample.

• Will I receive my test results?

  • You will NOT receive any results from participating in this program.

  • CDC also recommends that international travelers get tested 3-5 days after arrival in the U.S. or if symptoms develop. You can use the free home antigen test we are providing to help you do this.

• Why don’t I receive a result?

  • Test results from this program will be used by CDC for public health surveillance purposes only. The swab is anonymous and is not linked to any of your contact information.

How is my privacy protected?

• At Concentric and XpresCheck, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it through compliance with both organizations’ privacy policies. They can be found at XpresCheck and Concentric by Ginkgo sites.

• [Please refer traveler to postcard for links to more info]