LAURENS COUNTY, Ga. — Effective Tuesday, people living in the South Central Health District can be tested for COVID-19, but you have to be referred by a physician.
That's according to a release from the South Central Health District.
The 10 counties that district covers are: Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Wheeler, and Wilcox.
Healthcare providers within the district can refer patients to the drive-thru location in Laurens County.
They will ONLY be screening referrals from physicians, and the patients must meet the following criteria:
- Those 60 or older, with a fever greater than 100.5 degrees and/or symptoms of a lower respiratory illness (cough, difficulty breathing), or have a chronic health condition, or are immunocompromised
- Individuals with a fever or symptoms of lower respiratory illness and have had close contact with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 patient or have a travel history to an affected geographical area with community transmission
- Healthcare providers who are mildly symptomatic with a history of exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 patient may be tested at the discretion of the District Health Director to make sure they are available for COVID-19 response
Again, they are NOT SCREENING THE GENERAL PUBLIC -- only those referred by a local healthcare provider.
Patients will be assigned a PUI (Person Under Investigation) number before entering the testing site, and it is to be provided by the healthcare provider.
The Georgia Department of Health is reporting there are no confirmed cases in Central Georgia at this time, and the health district says people should follow these preventative measures.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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