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TBDCC will distribute COVID rapid test kits to local business

June 17, 2021   ·   0 Comments

The Tottenham Beeton District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, will be distributing COVID-19 rapid test kits to local businesses.

Over 12 million rapid antigen screening tests have now been shipped across the province.

Supplied by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the kits have been sent to 2,600 work sites across the province.

“Giving businesses access to rapid test kits quickly while streamlining program and reporting requirements is allowing them to manage testing on-site with ease and helping stop the virus before it gets into the workplace,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We urge businesses who want to stop the spread, stay open, and save lives to order kits today.”

A recent success of the antigen screening program came with the involvement of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

“Rapid test screening for small and medium-sized businesses is a key tool to help keep businesses open and workers safe,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “For essential businesses that are allowed to stay open and require staff to be on-site, rapid antigen screening at the workplace can give peace of mind and ensure operations continue steadily and safely in businesses across Ontario, and especially in hotspot areas.”

Businesses are encouraged to get their own rapid antigen screening kits by contacting their local chamber of commerce or by registering at ontario.ca/testingonsite.

“Rapid testing is a critical part of curbing the spread of COVID-19, contributing to the safe reopening of our economy. As the indispensable partner of business, we are incredibly proud of the more than 100 chambers of commerce and boards of trade that have quickly mobilized to put free rapid screening kits into the hands of business across Ontario in partnership with the Province, Health Canada, Communitech, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Almost 100 chambers are supporting this important program with additional distribution sites opening each week,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses with fewer than 150 employees may be able to pick up antigen screening tests at participating local chambers of commerce, through a program run jointly by the Ontario government and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

The TBDCC does not yet know when they will be receiving the kits, but will announce the date once it is determined.

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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