Mobile Specimen Collection Site Begins Operation for Pre-Approved Individuals
The Coastal Health District, in partnership with the Southeast Georgia Health System, is operating a drive-through specimen collection site which will expand access to COVID-19 testing for pre-approved high-risk individuals. The Health System is providing personnel and planning support.
The specimen collection site is at an undisclosed location in Glynn County and is NOT open to the general public or the media.
Drive-through collection centers are being established in health districts around the state to collect specimens from mildly ill people who do not require medical care or hospitalization, but who DO fall into one of the other prioritized groups.
The people who should be prioritized for testing at these remote specimen collection centers include:
- Healthcare workers and other first responders who are critical for caring for our communities during this epidemic, and who frequently interact with vulnerable populations.
- People working with and caring for vulnerable populations, such as long-term care facility staff.
- People living in congregate settings where the disease can spread rapidly.
Only individuals who have been evaluated by a healthcare provider and assigned a Person Under Investigation (PUI) number will be referred to these drive-through sites.
Laboratory testing is important, but not everyone with respiratory symptoms needs to be tested. Most people who are mildly or moderately ill with “cold-like” symptoms can safely recover at home with self-isolation and symptomatic treatment. Diagnosis through laboratory testing does not change the care they would receive.
Because testing supplies and protective equipment is limited, current testing should be reserved for people whose laboratory diagnosis would have the biggest impact on healthcare infrastructure and the spread of disease.
