THE BATTLEFORDS - The distribution of rapid antigen tests for the public at the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce has been going well, and there are now plenty of supplies.
Battlefords Chamber Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak is reporting that their third shipment of rapid tests has just arrived Wednesday morning.
That means that in addition to the public, they can now also distribute these test kits to businesses of ten employees or less. Those businesses are now included in the distribution.
There is a different process for larger businesses between 11 and 199 employees to get kits: they need to register online with the federal government and they will be given the information back on which pharmacy to pick up their kits. Those businesses with over 200 employees will see the kits shipped directly to them.
In an interview on Access TV’s Talk of the Town show, Machniak said “it’s been an interesting ride the last few months.”
She said that the various Chambers had discussions in the spring about being the delivery point for business, but instead the provincial government opted to set up the initial “Test to Protect” program and deliver directly to businesses.
Then around late August or early September the Chamber network was approached about the public distribution of the rapid tests.
“I know there of people who have said, ‘well why is the chamber doing it’,” said Machniak. “Well, partly it’s because there are locations across the province in almost every major centre, and some that weren’t so major have volunteers or part time people that could help out.”
The rapid tests are being distributed at a drive-thru outside the Chamber offices at the Highway 16-40 junction, and the tests continue to be available there every Monday and Thursday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on each of those days.
The Battlefords North Stars have been involved in helping out and Machniak reports they have been “fabulous”, with players greeting people, taking their orders and delivering the tests to the vehicles.
The drive-thru format was inspired in part by the successful drive-thru set up for vaccinations at the old Kramer Caterpillar building in Battleford. The sense was that people would feel more comfortable in their vehicles, Machniak said.
The Chamber lot has plenty of space and room for parking, “so it made it easy to do the drive-thru process so that people wouldn’t have to stand in line or have to come in the building.”
At the Battlefords Chamber’s board meeting Tuesday, Machniak told directors the Canadian and Saskatchewan Chambers are going to provide funding to the local Chambers who have provided this service. Machniak indicated the Battlefords Chamber could receive $800 per week dating back to mid-September for the work they have been doing, and that will take them to the end of the year. The indication is the funding could come from Health Canada starting in the new year.
In other news from Tuesday’s meeting, Machniak reported she recently attended virtually the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s convention and AGM Oct. 26-28. She sat in on most of the policy sessions and a notable highlight came during the resolution session, as a policy co-sponsored by the Battlefords Chamber was passed. The policy called for creation of a national infrastructure corridor across the country.
“It was really a proud moment to participate in something like that and have it be successful,” Machniak said on Access TV.
Machniak also reported that Steve McLellan, Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, is retiring and a search is on for a replacement. McLellan has been President since 2007.
“I certainly am going to miss him in that role, he has done a great job,” Machniak told the board on Tuesday. “That’s going to be big shoes for them to fill there.”
Closer to home, the Battlefords Chamber is also preparing for its director elections coming in December.
A call for nominations has gone out to members this week and they have until Dec. 1 to submit their names. Eight positions on the board are up for election.
