The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Northwest Health District is now offering COVID and influenza PCR testing at kiosks at AdventHealth Gordon, 1035 Red Bud Road, Calhoun, and CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia, 100 Gross Crescent Circle, Fort Oglethorpe. These kiosks offer access to testing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After completing a brief registration form, the kiosks dispense two test kits. One kit is for COVID testing, and the other is for influenza (types A and B). The test kits include a nasal swab and instructions on collecting the specimens. Nasal swabs must be done for each test. Once the specimens are collected, they are safely packaged back into the kits and placed in the kiosk. The specimens are picked up daily and sent to an accredited lab for PCR testing. Individuals will receive notification of their test results by email or text, usually within 48 hours of specimen collection.
Pre-registration for testing at the kiosks is not required but is available at https://register.testandgo.com. Additionally, there is no out-of-pocket cost for the tests provided through a DPH kiosk; but for individuals with insurance, their insurance will be billed.
COVID and influenza testing are among the many prevention measures that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading illness. Vaccination and good respiratory hygiene also help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID and flu:
- Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and warm water. Alcohol based gels are the next best thing if you don’t have access to soap and water.
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or arm to help prevent spread of germs.
- Avoid touching your face as germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
- Stay home from work or school if you’re sick.
For more information about COVID and influenza visit https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19 orhttps://dph.georgia.gov/flu.
