County approves COVID testing

WAXAHACHIE – The Ellis County Commissioners Court approved two items regarding COVID-19 measures on July 28 for county employees. 

The first item approved was regarding the purchase of self-testing swab kits not to exceed $25,000. 

The kits will be paid with the funds of the CARES Act, meaning no direct cost to the county.

The initial purchase will include 4500 testing kits for the use of Ellis County staff and officials. The kits have a one-year shelf life. 

Samantha Pickett, part of Ellis County’s Emergency Management team, did the research for the county. 

She said, “We want to make sure our employees are staying healthy. We are trying to implement pre-planning since we don’t know how long Covid will last.” 

In the name of fiscal conservatism, Pickett said she was trying to find other vendors for more cost-effective tests.

Another item approved by the court regarding Coronavirus was “Return to Work Guidelines.” 

Theresa Taylor with Human Resources for Ellis County presented to the court’s consideration. 

Taylor said, “This is for work related exposure. Employees concerned about an outside of work exposure will have to go through their primary care provider for a test.” 

Taylor will have access to the tests in her office.

Concerned, Commissioner Paul Perry, pct. 3, asked, “I want to make sure you are comfortable with issuing the tests. We want to limit exposure. Are you comfortable?” 

Taylor assured the court she was comfortable, having spoken to Dr. Leigh Nordstrom, the county’s appointed health official. 

Taylor elaborated on the procedure. An employee having been exposed at work would notify their supervisor, the supervisor would notify Taylor’s office, and the employee would be issued the test in her office. 

The employee would administer their own test and drop it off at the FedEx stop. Results would be back within 24-48 hours including shipping time. That’s a vast improvement on turn around time, as some employees are waiting up to 10 days to know their results. 

Confidentiality would not be breached as a separate health file is kept for employees. 

Taylor mentioned the main concern was for the sheriff’s office to get their employees back to work after they had been exposed. 

Taylor advised Ellis County is taking precautions with their return to work policies and following CDC guidelines for the county’s employees.

Ellis County understands the severity of the virus, but wants to maintain a strategic and safe back to work protocol for its staff and officials.