The Latest News from THBI

Updates from the Texas Legislature

Governor Abbott issues executive orders in accordance with federal guidelines to mitigate spread of COVID-19 in Texas

Commissioner Hellerstedt also announced that he has declared a Public Health Disaster which will give state and local officials additional tools to respond to COVID-19.

Governor Abbott requests emergency designation for Small Business Disaster Loans

Governor Abbott requested designation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Declaration in order to access the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the entire state of Texas. If granted, the SBA would provide long-term, low-interest loans to qualifying businesses across the state.

Governor Abbott issues proclamation allowing for postponement of local elections set for May 2nd

"I strongly encourage local election officials to take advantage of these waivers and postpone their elections until November. Right now, the state's focus is responding to COVID-19 — including social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. By delaying this election, our local election officials can assist in that effort."

State Preservation Board Agency closes Capitol and other properties until further notice

In an ongoing effort to reduce exposure to the COVID-19 contagion the State Preservation Board willfully close public access to the Texas State Capitol effective 8:00AM, Wednesday, March 18, 2020.Elected officials and staff will be able to enter the building to continue work.

THBI Updates

THBI President Tom Kowalski spoke with the Austin American Statesman on Austin based company who will begin offering a home testing kit for COVID-19 early next week

"The tests allow users to collect swab samples at home, which can then be submitted to a government-certified laboratory for testing. Those who use the test will be able to receive their results through a telemedicine visit within about two days. The tests are compliant with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization," the company said.

THBI President's Call: March 26

THBI will host the monthly Member's only call on March 26. Join the call for insight from THBI Member companies working on the coronavirus. If you are interested in hosting a President's call, contributing content, or to become a member, email julia@thbi.com

BIO Business Solutions

As the world has been dealing with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, BIO has been working with partners and member companies on business continuity, mitigation and contingency planning. As part of BIO Business Solutions Cost Savings Program, we have several benefits to help you run your business, access resources and reduce spending.

Learn More

Working from Home Solutions - Save up to 80% on select office products

Access resources to develop new treatments for COVID-19 and other diseases from 3,300+ global suppliers.

Decontamination and Disposal of virus-infected sites

To become a THBI member and gain access to the BIO Business Solutions purchasing program, email julia@thbi.com.

Our Members Response

America’s biopharmaceutical companies are coming together to achieve one shared goal: the eradication of COVID-19

Leading the industry, BIO and PhRMA have teamed up to declare a shared set of principles to guide our industry during this crisis as we work together toward vaccines and cures.

6 Ways Johnson & Johnson is helping support coronavirus relief efforts

From a donation of a million masks to help protect vulnerable healthcare workers to committed research on a potential vaccine, the company has activated quickly in several key ways to help address the outbreak.

Takeda is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the global response

"We are developing an anti-SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal hyperimmune globulin (H-IG) to treat high-risk individuals with COVID-19."

Abbott receives FDA emergency use authorization for coronavirus test

The company said yesterday that it will immediately ship 150,000 of its RealTime SARS-CoV-2 EUA tests to existing customers in the U.S.

Resource Center

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

At TWC, the health and well-being of our employers, employees and communities is our top priority. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to being responsive to the needs of our customers.

TWC Resource Center

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

DSHS is responding COVID-19 outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China. For prevention tips, symptoms, traveler information, and healthcare provider resources, see our COVID-19 website.

DSHS Resource Center

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. They are closely monitoring an outbreak caused COVID-19 and are the go to resource for the U.S.

CDC Resource Center

Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Coronavirus Business Resource Center

As many BIO members work to develop diagnostics, vaccines and treatments to address the global COVID-19 outbreak, BIO has provided resources to help companies continue their operations with minimum disruption and keep their employees safe and healthy.

BIO Resource Center