Chamber Testing

In an effort to help support the continued operation of businesses throughout the state of Texas, Governor Abbott has invited a limited number of Chambers of Commerce to participate in a pilot program which will provide BinaxNow COVID-19 rapid tests to the participating Chambers.  The Chambers will identify small businesses in their communities to receive test kits with which to provide voluntary testing of their employees. Businesses will be required to have individual staff members trained on proper testing protocols, to include test administration and reporting of results as required by law.

As part of the Nation’s Coronavirus Testing Strategy, the United States Health and Human Services Department will allocate a total of 150 million Abbott Labs BinaxNow rapid test kits. The state of Texas has begun receiving its weekly allotment of these tests for utilization in settings that need rapid, low-tech testing. These tools were specifically intended to support our critical infrastructure and surveillance screening in congregate settings, such as small businesses.  The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), has been directed to ensure the effective distribution of these kits to Chambers of Commerce in Texas to further this national effort.

TDEM will provide each of the participating Chambers of Commerce with 640 BinaxNow test kits, facemasks, training, and support.   Chambers of Commerce will identify one test coordinator as the point of contact with TDEM and will select the small businesses in their community which are interested in participating in the project.  Participating businesses will identify staff members to be trained to administer the tests and report the results as well determining the manner in which the voluntary testing will be conducted for their employees.  Businesses will also be responsible for establishing appropriate policies for addressing positive Covid-19 test results of their employees, including the notification of local health departments.