The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce was invited to participate in a state program that is part of the nation’s coronavirus testing strategy and designed to support the continued operation of small businesses in Texas.

The chamber will be provided with a select number of BinaxNow test kits and face masks, which will be distributed to small businesses, information on its website said. Small businesses will have the opportunity to administer these tests to their employees.

Small businesses who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to complete this survey by 4 p.m. Feb. 2.

Participating businesses are required to follow the program protocols, which include:
  • identifying a test coordinator at your location who is responsible for completing a BinaxNow training;
  • planning a test location and flow of individuals being tested to ensure proper social distancing;
  • administering the tests to employees of the small business using the BinaxNow rapid COVID-19 test;
  • reporting every test that is used via a program-defined reporting application;
  • utilizing 70% of test kits;
  • creating a process for employees who test positive;
  • setting up test stations in a fashion that limits test subjects’ potential to contaminate the test area;
  • obtaining gloves for test administrations (not provided) and utilizing personal protective equipment while administering tests; and
  • disposing of testing materials in accordance with the defined “medical waste for schools” protocol.
Indicating an interest in the program does not guarantee the receipt of testing kits, the chamber said, adding priority will be given to businesses that are located in Georgetown, and membership in the chamber is not required to utilize this program. The chamber will begin notifying businesses of their selection to participate in the program Feb. 5.

The chamber clarified it is providing this program as a service and is not responsible for the individual execution of the program by the businesses. Full details from the state can be found here. Questions regarding the chamber’s participation can be sent to [email protected].