BioReference Laboratories Announces First COVID-19 Testing Program for Cruise Industry

Rhea-AI Summary

BioReference Laboratories, a subsidiary of OPKO Health (NASDAQ: OPK), has launched a COVID-19 testing program aimed at U.S. crew and guests cruising with Royal Caribbean Group. This program mandates rapid PCR testing for unvaccinated guests prior to embarkation and at the end of their voyage, with additional testing during the cruise as needed. The initiative is designed to enhance safety for travelers, providing results within 40 minutes of arrival at the port. BioReference, a leading lab in the U.S., serves approximately 19 million patients annually and offers extensive testing solutions.

Positive

• Launch of a COVID-19 testing program for Royal Caribbean Group enhances BioReference's service offerings.
• Rapid testing solution provides results within 40 minutes, increasing efficiency for cruise passengers.
• Strengthens BioReference's position in the growing market for COVID-19 testing solutions.

Negative

• None.

MIAMI, June 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BioReference Laboratories, Inc., an OPKO Health company (NASDAQ: OPK), today announced a COVID-19 testing program for U.S. based crew and guests who cruise with Royal Caribbean Group, helping provide a safe environment for travelers.

BioReference announced a COVID-19 testing program for U.S. based crew and guests who cruise with Royal Caribbean Group.

Under the agreement, unvaccinated guests will be required to undergo rapid, point-of-care PCR COVID-19 prior to embarking. These guests will also undergo rapid, COVID-19 point-of-care testing at the end of their voyage, before disembarking. Depending on voyage length, testing may also take place on board, during the cruise. All Royal Caribbean Group crew members will be required to undergo routine laboratory-based PCR tests at regular intervals.

"Royal Caribbean Group has worked diligently with us to develop a set of testing protocols in conjunction with other mitigation strategies to provide the safest possible environment for all passengers and crew," said Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Executive Chairman of BioReference Laboratories. "Our first in the nation custom solution for the cruise industry was developed so that each passenger will be tested, and results provided within 40 minutes of their arrival at the port."

About BioReference Laboratories, Inc.
BioReference Laboratories, Inc., is one of the largest full service specialty laboratories in the United States that gives healthcare providers and patients the power to make confident healthcare decisions. With a focus on genetics, oncology, urology and women's health, BioReference offers comprehensive test solutions and unparalleled expertise based on a 40 year legacy of proven science. The company is in-network with the largest health plans in the United States, serves approximately 19 million patients annually, operates a network of 11 laboratory locations, and is backed by a medical staff of more than 300 M.D., D.O., Ph.D., genetic counselors and other professional clinical and scientific personnel. With a national footprint and niche market experience, BioReference provides credible and innovative solutions that meet the needs of employers, governmental agencies, educational systems, hospitals and health systems, correctional institutions, sports leagues, travel and leisure industries, and retail markets. BioReference provides industry-leading custom solutions for COVID-19, including point-of-care testing and large-scale screening programs. https://www.bioreference.com/

About OPKO Health, Inc.
OPKO is a multinational biopharmaceutical and diagnostics company that seeks to establish industry-leading positions in large, rapidly growing markets by leveraging its discovery, development, and commercialization expertise and novel and proprietary technologies. For more information, visit www.opko.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA), which statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "projects," "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning, including statements regarding the role and value of testing, whether the results from our previous testing program can be successfully duplicated or deployed in other settings or venues, whether implementing the same strategies or other strategies will be successful in preventing the spread of the disease or providing safety against infection to the participants, as well as other non-historical statements about our expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding our business, technologies and products, and strategies. Many factors could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. These factors include those described in the OPKO Health, Inc. Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed and to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, forward-looking statements may also be adversely affected by general market factors, competitive product development, product availability, federal and state regulations and legislation, the regulatory process for new products and indications, manufacturing issues that may arise, patent positions and litigation, among other factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date the statements were made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA.

Media Contacts:

BioReference Laboratories
Hillary Titus, 201-406-9968
htitus@bioreference.com

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SOURCE BioReference Laboratories, Inc

FAQ

What is OPK's recent announcement regarding COVID-19 testing?

OPKO Health's BioReference Laboratories announced a COVID-19 testing program for Royal Caribbean Group's cruise guests and crew.

What type of COVID-19 testing will be conducted under the new program?

The program will require unvaccinated guests to undergo rapid point-of-care PCR testing before embarkation and at the end of their voyage.

How quickly will passengers receive results from the COVID-19 tests?

Passengers will receive COVID-19 test results within 40 minutes of arriving at the port.

What is the significance of BioReference's partnership with Royal Caribbean Group?

This partnership is significant as it represents the first customized COVID-19 testing solution for the cruise industry.

How many patients does BioReference serve annually?

BioReference serves approximately 19 million patients annually, providing extensive testing solutions.