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Bonnyville chamber offering rapid COVID-19 tests for local businesses

Rapid COVID-19 tests are available at the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce for local businesses
Chamberrapidtestweb
Rapid COVID-19 tests are available for Bonnyville businesses through the local Chamber of Commerce. Photo submitted.

BONNYVILLE – Bonnyville businesses aren’t showing a lot of interest in rapid COVID-19 tests being offered by the local chamber.   

Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Serina Parsons told Lakeland This Week the province’s Open for Summer plan may have distracted people from taking advantage of the program.   

“Initially, we had quite a bit of interest, but I think that the news of the reopening plans has made people less inclined to take on such a program in their businesses, however, I think that part of that might be due to not fully understanding the program and the benefits and what it has to offer,” she detailed. “Just because we’re lucky in that we’re looking forward to our reopening for summer plan, it doesn’t mean that COVID-19 isn’t still among us and is still a threat to businesses, our economy, public health, and safety.”   

The Government of Alberta announced in May that chambers across the province would have rapid test kits available for non-profits and businesses. There’s no financial responsibility involved with the rapid tests but there are some requirements for businesses who sign up.   

“They do need to have a person to administer (the tests), either once or twice a week depending on their need,” Parsons explained. “Then the program would go for approximately 12 weeks that they would continue to administer the test within their workplace and to their employees. They would need to report weekly back to us at the chamber office and we report that to the Government of Alberta on a weekly basis.”   

Membership with the chamber isn’t required to receive a rapid testing kit.    

Parsons stressed the program is meant to “detect early cases of COVID-19 to prevent outbreaks, which would then cause the closure of their business, staffing shortages, and those types of things.”    

She added, “It’s important to note the rapid tests are only to be used for people that are asymptomatic, so not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. This is truly a preventative measure or a way to detect asymptomatic cases to ensure that we don’t see a greater spread within our workplaces. It is, I feel, a very beneficial program, especially for workplaces that deal with the public on a regular basis. Not only does it give us peace of mind that we’re working safely and every week you know that your workplace is COVID-19 free.”   

If an employee receives a positive test, they would need to receive a follow-up Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and follow government isolation regulations.   

As the program is still relatively new, Parsons encouraged business owners to contact her at the Chamber at 780-826-3252 with any concerns or questions.   

“We’re trying to make it as easy and simple as possible for businesses and I would encourage them to call to have that conversation with myself at the chamber to see if it's right for their business.”   

Hitting the ground running   

The provincial government’s announcement about summer reopening didn’t just spring local businesses into planning and action.   

The local chamber is eager to get back to normal and that includes organizing community events, including a ‘Welcome Back’ parade, their golf scramble, and the chili cook-off.    

“We’re really happy to be able to plan these events, to be able to promote businesses, to network again, and to really get back to everything that we do,” expressed Parsons. “Over the last year and a half, the local chamber has been advocating for changes in government regulations and for businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that we have been experiencing but, with that came a reduction in our community events and we’re ready to bring those back.”   

Planning is also underway for upcoming election forums to allow residents to ask questions of those running for municipal office, along with registrations opening up for the 2022 Oil and Gas Show in the fall.    

The chamber is also organizing a Christmas Expo and Craft Show for the end of November.  

Robynne Henry, Bonnyville Nouvelle

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