In order to keep Pflugerville healthy & our economy strong, we’re introducing the “Safe & Open Program.” As we reopen our economy, we all need to do our part to ensure we continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19, while also helping regain consumer confidence. In order to eliminate confusion for our consumers and support the rights of our businesses, the Safe & Open Program will have 2 major components - Rapid testing kits and providing information on those businesses requiring masks.
Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order (GA-34) lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100 percent. Given the recent news concerning mask mandates by the Governor, the Pflugerville Chamber asks that you respect the rights of our businesses to require masks. If a business chooses to require masks and/or not open 100 percent, then we ask you to respect their decision by adhering to their rules. In an effort to help consumers know which places will require masks, we will be listing them on this webpage. If you prefer not to wear a mask, we ask you to frequent stores without a mask requirement. We are urging everyone to be respectful of our businesses in order to support our local economy.
Businesses who participate in the Safe & Open Program are affirming their commitment to take the necessary action to implement the guidance as outlined by DHHS.
Commit to protecting employees by:
- Checking on their well-being and health before every work shift by screening employees for illness, possible exposure or COVID-19 symptoms
- Providing them with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training, as appropriate, including wash stations and soap, hand sanitizer, face masks, nitrile gloves, and face shields (all as appropriate per the guidance)
- Requiring customers wear masks and kindly observe proper hygiene etiquette when interacting with employees
Commit to protecting customers by:
- Washing and/or sanitizing your hands on a regular basis
- Monitoring social distancing within your place of business
- Sanitizing frequently used surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, push plates, shopping carts, tables, chairs, restrooms, and fuel pump handles on a regular and frequent basis
- Disinfecting items that come into contact with customers
- Making hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water, or similar disinfectant readily available to both employees and customers
- Placing readily visible signage at the business to remind everyone of best hygiene practices
Rapid Test Kit
Once you’re committed to protecting your employees and customers, you’ll be eligible to participate in the rapid testing. Earlier this year, Governor Abbott announced a Small Business COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program. The program invited the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce to participate in the distribution of free BinaxNow rapid COVID-19 tests to small businesses in our community.
The program 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 tests kits and facemasks which will be distributed to small businesses for them to administer to their employees.
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
- Reporting every test that is used via program defined reporting application
- Utilizing 70% of test kits
- Creating a process for employees who test positive (ex. CDC Recommendations)
- 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 utilize PPE while administering tests
- Disposing of testing materials in accordance with the defined “medical waste for schools” protocol – Click here for more details.
Small businesses who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to complete the survey below. Please note that indicating an interest in the program does not guarantee receipt of testing kits. Priority is given to those who are Chamber members and committed to keeping their employees and customers safe.
We encourage any interested business to view the full program details here.
If your business is requiring masks and/or is interested in the rapid testing kits,
you must fill out the form HERE.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to staff at info@pfchamber.com
