Thousands of people go to Test Nebraska sites every week. Now the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says it has a way to keep those sites open, even as temperatures drop. ‘The bad weather is coming.
The Nebraska-based company and military contractor has developed heated pods that will help keep Test Nebraska sites running. Much of how Combs approaches this project comes from his own experience as a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy.
“You can’t afford to fight today’s battle with yesterday’s equipment,” Combs said.
He and Senior Vice President Dexter Myers said the idea for the pods started back in the spring. The pair knew Test Nebraska’s outdoor sites, many covered only by tents, would not hold up through winter.
According to the company, these pods can withstand up to 120 mph winds, and heavy snow on the roof.
DHHS said it purchased five walk-up and five drive-thru testing pods.
The department said the drive-thru model will have a heated, enclosed center unit. People will drive through heated lanes and stay in their vehicles for the test.
Combs said the walk-up units are heated too. Medical professionals will get your information through a speaker system and only open the window for the test.
“Not only provide environmental protection to the health care workers, but to also provide additional reduced contact between them and the patients while they’re collecting the specimens,” Myers said.
PEI said it has seen interest from out-of-state, and these pods can be used for surge capacity at hospitals as well as COVID-19 vaccine administration, once available.
As for Combs, he’s proud to provide assistance during the pandemic, and he urges others to do their part too.
“It’s everyone’s fight. It’s a call to action for all of America to get involved and engage,” he said.