Amarillo Gazette

Small businesses have a big impact on the economy in Amarillo and in an effort to protect front-line employees who keep these small businesses operational from contracting COVID-19, Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management have launched the COVID-19 Rapid Testing Pilot Program.

Participation in this program is optional and businesses that choose to join must gain permission from their employees to administer rapid tests at work.

Testing supplies will be allocated by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce with the intention of mitigating the spread of the coronavirus, and protecting businesses that may suffer a negative impact to their bottom line if any of their employees become infected with the virus.

"This rapid testing pilot program will protect the safety of small business owners, their employees, and Texas consumers as we continue to combat COVID-19," Abbott said in a statement.

The Texas school system used a similar program implemented by the Texas Education Agency that ensured all teachers had access to rapid testing. Organizations including the Amarillo Economic Development Corp., and chambers of commerce from Edinburg, El Paso, Laredo and Lubbock are participating in the program.

"I thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for providing these tests and our participating Chamber of Commerce organizations for partnering with the State of Texas to help protect our communities," Abbott said.