The line of cars snaked around the Belk parking lot in Cornelia on Sunday. Unlike days past when it would have taken a huge sale to get that many people to the store, on this day, Belk sat empty, its doors closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of walking into the store for a sale, people waited in their vehicles for free COVID-19 testing.
Habersham Medical Center (HMC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health worked together to arrange the drive-up test site. Local first responders and public safety officials from Cornelia and Habersham County assisted them in their efforts.
In all, medical workers administered 335 tests on Sunday. “It was a great turnout,” says HMC spokesperson Kesha Clinkscale. One hospital representative indicated they were expecting a third of the number that showed.
While the process itself didn’t take long – just a few minutes to answer questions and seconds to swab – it will be several days before the first test results are returned.
“Those who were tested today can expect to receive their results within 2 to 3 business days,” Clinkscale tells Now Habersham. “While we are unable to predict what the outcome will be, we are proud of the turnout and we are encouraged by the level of interest that was shown by this community to get tested.”
Flyers announcing the tests indicated it was for patients exhibiting signs of the virus, but it’s likely some people went for peace of mind. Those awaiting test results who are symptomatic should:
- Stay home except to get medical care.
- Separate themselves from other people as much as possible.
- Monitor their symptoms.
- Seek medical attention if their symptoms become worse.
A “very real and serious threat”
Sunday marks the first time free drive-up testing has been made available to the public in Habersham without a referral. It comes as the county continues to see a surge in the number of positive COVID-19 cases among residents.
Habersham County now has the 27th highest number of positive cases out of 159 counties in the state. In Northeast Georgia, Habersham’s numbers are second only to Hall County.
Clinkscale says the goal of Sunday’s testing is to stop the spread of the virus by identifying individuals who have it and getting them the help that they need.
A side benefit is that it also raises awareness that this pandemic is not over.
Many Georgians appear to be taking a more lax approach to CDC guidelines on how to protect themselves now that Gov. Brian Kemp has eased up on business restrictions. He allowed gyms, fitness centers, hair and nail salons, barbershops, bowling alleys, tattoo and massage parlors, and other close-contact businesses to reopen Friday. On Monday, Kemp is allowing movie theaters and restaurant dining areas to reopen.
While many have praised the governor for his efforts to jumpstart the state’s struggling economy – more than 1 million Georgians have filed unemployment claims in the past month – others argue it’s too much too soon.
Health professionals urge people to stay vigilant.
“COVID-19 is still a very real and serious threat to our community, our country, and our world,” stresses Clinkscale. “There is currently no vaccine to protect against it. With these facts in mind and according to the CDC, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus.”
To protect yourself and others against COVID-19, you should continue to follow these guidelines:
- Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
- Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others and disinfect items you must touch.
- Get deliveries and takeout, and limit in-person contact as much as possible.
Visit CDC.gov for more information on how to keep you and your loved ones safe.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
RELATED
Georgia Poison Center sees spike in calls from misuse of cleaning products, disinfectants
