Minh Phan
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
The Fort Worth Chamber said it's continuing to distribute COVID-19 rapid tests to small business owners with fewer than 500 employees.
The program, established by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, provides local Chambers of Commerce with COVID-19 testing supplies to distribute free to local small businesses. Businesses can then administer these tests to employees who participate.
The COVID-19 Small Business Rapid Testing Program launched in December as a pilot program and has helped small businesses throughout the state conduct rapid tests on employees to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“Since day one of this pandemic, we’ve been working to make sure our businesses can operate safely,” Brandom Gengelbach, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, said in a release. “As we begin to open back up to 100%, these tests will help businesses contain and slow the spread and help local officials keep track of COVID-19 cases in our area.”
Small business owners or representatives are required to be trained on testing protocol, reporting results, and proper disposal of hazardous materials, the Chamber said. Enrollment to receive the testing kits is ongoing and businesses owners must complete a business questionnaire and certification process.
“At Schaefer Advertising, we’ve fortunately seen an escalation in our business since the first of the year," Ken Schaefer, president and owner of Schaefer Advertising, said in the release. "As a result of the increased activity, we are in person more and it will be extremely beneficial to utilize these tests to help keep our employees and clients safe as we come together more often."
To sign up, contact the Chamber at (817) 338-2491 or visit http://www.fortworthchamber.com/.