RICHARDSON – Three members of the Richardson Fire Department are joining the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force for the next two weeks to help administer coronavirus testing to regional nursing home residents and staff as part of a statewide effort.

The firefighters were trained to conduct tests, use state-mandated personal protective equipment and how to properly report testing to the state, after Gov. Greg Abbott announced a plan that 100 percent of Texas’ nursing home residents and staff members would be tested for coronavirus.

Testing in Richardson should be completed by this weekend with firefighters spending the rest of the time at facilities in other cities.