Table 2.

Recommendations for implementing an International border testing program during a pandemic.

Recommendation	Examples
Use clear and consistent messaging	For travellers: •Create a program website that is frequently updated to provide travellers with information about eligibility and what participation involves. •Provide participants with handouts at registration with clear instructions. •Establish a helpline for travellers if they have questions. •Work with media to set appropriate participant expectations (e.g., time to receive the first test) •Involve airlines to educate travellers on the flight so they are informed and prepared for registration. For staff: •Establish rapid and reliable communication channels to confirm decisions and program processes. •Encourage frequent communication between the working group and governance teams to troubleshoot and address questions.
Define roles and responsibilities of staff involved in operations and logistics	In areas with overlapping duties (airport, land border), ensure all parties understand which teams are responsible for what decisions and activities. Designate specific rooms (areas) on-site to be used in cases of public health emergencies to avoid pop-up stations and inconveniences of running a testing clinic in an airport or at a land border crossing.
Adapt the program to changing context	Update program website and traveller handouts every time there is a relevant change. Provide a helpline for travellers to address questions about changing eligibility or program requirements.
Use resources efficiently	Use one participant app (e.g., ArriveCAN). Use electronic consent instead of paper. Partner with airports, airlines, and land border crossings to receive information about flight/border crossing predictions so that the appropriate number of staff can be scheduled for testing and operations. Employ a single and integrated laboratory system to collect and share health information (e.g., COVID-19 test results) quickly and easily. Use patient portals to share test results with participants, rather than by phone or email which requires complex encryption software.
Allow ample planning time	Establish prepositioned contracts to hire contracted vendors as early as possible.
Ensure accessibility	Use electronic consent and registration forms to allow for translation into multiple languages. Have tablets on-site for travellers that do not have access to a smartphone or tablet. Increase the use of rural pharmacies.