MACON, Ga. — As COVID-19 and flu season approaches, the federal government is bringing back a program to prevent these illnesses from spreading.
Central Georgians will soon be able to order COVID-19 tests for free.
Michael Hokanson with the Macon-Bibb County Health Department says the free test could encourage people to stay home if they have symptoms, since COVID isn't on people's radar as prevalent as it was four years ago.
“COVID isn't exactly on everyone's minds, however we know it's still out there and it's active," Hokanson said. "The main problem is the testing that is available. A lot of it is just that at-home testing."
One nasal swab test costa as much as $15, so the program could potentially save a household lots of money. Tests can be ordered before the holiday season, as they'll test for current strains of the virus.
“We have seen a lot of COVID cases lately," pharmacist Bob Moody said. "We've done close to 30 COVID vaccines in the last two weeks, since the new [vaccine] came out."
Moody says it's important to know if you're under the weather so you can protect others, and he encourages people to get prepared for the winter season.
“The new COVID shots are out for the new variants, and we have those in stock now," he said. "We've got the high dose flu and the regular flu in stock too."
Moody says not getting vaccinated can put many people at risk especially, if they have health issues.
“Different disease states can make all these things hit you a lot harder than a normal, healthy, young person,” Moody said.
It's unclear when you can start ordering the free tests. When they are available, you can order them from a government website.
In the meantime, Hokanson advises people take vitamins to boost immunity.