Drive-through COVID-19 testing available in Etowah County on Wednesday, May 13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Etowah County Health Department
(256) 547-6311

A drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic will be offered May 13 at the Carver Community Center, 1030 Tuscaloosa Ave., Gadsden AL 35901 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. while testing supplies last. The self-swabbing technique of nostrils is now available.

Please call (256) 547-6311 for an appointment and to preregister.

New criteria for people to be tested include the following additions:

The patient is a resident (with or without symptoms) of a long-term care facility and the facility has laboratory-confirmed cases in residents or staff, or are

• Hospitalized patients with symptoms
• Healthcare facility workers, workers in congregate living settings, and first responders with symptoms
• Residents in long-term care facilities or other congregate living settings, including correctional and detention facilities and shelters, with symptoms
• Persons without symptoms who have underlying medical conditions or disability placing them at a higher risk of complications, residency in a congregate housing setting such as a homeless shelter or long-term care facility, or screening of other asymptomatic individuals based on a case-by-case review and approval by the state health department or local health jurisdiction.

Symptoms of COVID-19 consist of either cough or shortness of breath (difficulty breathing) or at least two of the following: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.

Others who qualify for testing include those meeting these criteria:

A patient who is symptomatic with at a minimum (measured or subjective)

Fever OR cough OR shortness of breath, AND

• Immunocompromised or have co-morbidities, OR
• Age 65 years or older, OR
• Healthcare worker, OR
• Associated with a long-term healthcare facility, OR
• Symptoms are moderate, severe or worsening.

In general, if you have no symptoms, testing is not recommended. If you have mild symptoms and do not fall into one of the above groups, it is recommended that you self-isolate at home and call 1-888-264-2256 if your symptoms worsen.

Local leaders urge calm and patience during this trying time for all.

- 30 -

05/12/2020