LOS ANGELES — Talent Testing Service (TTS) has released details about the integration of COVID-19 testing into its Gold Standard panel beginning Monday, May 11.
The text of the TTS announcement follows:
Talent Testing Service (TTS) has been at the forefront in providing best-in-class testing services since 2005 in order to achieve one primary mission — the safety of the adult performers. TTS understands that testing is critical in the bigger public health picture on mitigating efforts helping our communities in slowing the spread of this virus.
In response to the current pandemic and as a safety measure to all performers, TTS will integrate COVID-19 into the Gold Standard panel (GSP) effective Monday, May 11, 2020.
TTS recommends all Adult Performers to follow all governmental Social Distancing guidelines in place recommended by local, state and federal agencies. It is also recommended that during this period, you should consider yourself at a higher risk if you have any one of these symptoms:
- Skin rash
- Lack of smell
- Lack of taste
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Weakness/fatigue/ malaise
- Joint pains
- Muscle aches Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Fever/chills
- Dry cough
- Productive cough
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
FAQs
Why is the test being included in the GSP Panel and for how long?
COVID-19 is a unique, severe and unprecedented health crisis changing our lives. As the pandemic evolves, control efforts must be continuously refined. TTS will do its part to implement containment strategies. As talents continue to use our services, an important mitigating part is testing for this virus until governmental and scientific experts feel that it is safe to remove.
How will the test be administered?
All tests will be performed by oropharyngeal swabs.
What sites, and when will the tests be offered?
Miami, Northridge, Las Vegas and Oakland will have availability to collect the specimens on Monday, May 11. A nationwide rollout to all our ADFs will be gradual and sites will start to become live the week of May 18.
How does it work cost-wise?
The GSP will only increase by $35 in order to include the test as part of the panel. If a talent would like to re-take the test as standalone, he/she will be able to do so for $35 which includes a $40 credit as long as a GSP has been performed in the past seven (7) days. Otherwise the national standard cost of $75 applies.
How can production crew be Tested?
Producers with valid TTS accounts will purchase discounted Producer Credit Codes (PCCs) for standalone COVID-19 tests for their crew members as they wish. Once purchased, their crew can login to their account and use these codes to make an appointment to their site of choice and have their samples collected. Crew will be able to view their results online like any other talent.
Will my clearance be sent to FSC-PASS?
At this time, clearances cannot be sent to FSC PASS due to the mismatch in testing panel components between TTS and other FSC-PASS laboratories. As always, clearances are available through the TTS website. We strongly urge everyone to use the available Authentication Codes as well as the QR codes for test validations.
Follow TTS online and on Twitter for the latest updates. Direct inquiries to info@talenttestingservice.com.