COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative Comes to Woodstock

Thursday, 20 May 2021 14:16

Small to medium size businesses in Woodstock can now access free rapid COVID-19 tests from the local Chamber of Commerce.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock District Chamber of Commerce is ready to start dispersing COVID-19 rapid tests to local businesses.

This project was made possible through the Ontario Chamber, in partnership with the Ontario and Canadian Governments with the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative. General Manager for the Woodstock Chamber Kim Whitehead says they will roll out free rapid tests small and medium-sized businesses in the Woodstock area.

"Chambers of commerce and boards of trade have been indispensable resources in their communities since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. Public health and the health of our economy are interdependent. That is why our chamber is proud to distribute rapid tests to small businesses in Woodstock area. We hope that through this program, we will be able to curb the spread and reopen our local economy safely."

The first shipments to Woodstock are on their way. Businesses, including non chamber members with 150 employees or less are welcome to participate in the program. The goal is to identify asymptomatic cases in the workplace before they spread.

Interested small to medium sized businesses can register for the kits now online here. You will be given a four week supply rapid tests. The kits will be ready for pickup at 474 Dundas Street, the former Dairy Capital Cheese Building.

The person responsible for supervising the self-screening on site will be given video training on how to properly supervise the screening process and safely dispose of the kits.

Businesses will be required to electronically submit their screening results after each occasion and will be recommended to screen staff twice weekly. The accumulated data will be reported to the
Ministry of Health bimonthly.

Any employee, who tests positive will be required to go home and self isolate immediately and get another test done at an approved COVID-19 testing facility. This project started as pilot in Waterloo Region and was a huge success in helping to stop workplace spread.