COVID Testing-Albany open 7 days a week

August 20, 2021

PUBLIC HEALTH TO OPEN 7 DAY COVID TESTING SITE IN ALBANY

ALBANY, GA-With COVID-19 cases spiking across Southwest Georgia, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is opening a new, mass drive-through testing site in Albany.

            “The current dominant variant of the coronavirus in Georgia is much more contagious than previous strains, and testing is a critical tool to help slow the spread. While testing is available at many healthcare providers throughout our region, we need one mass site that does nothing but COVID testing every day, to meet the demand and to keep people from going to overstressed emergency rooms in the region, simply to seek a COVID test,” said Charles Ruis, MD, Southwest Health District Health Director.

            The testing site will be at 804 13th Ave., located off Palmyra Road on the Phoebe North medical campus. The initial hours of operation will be 10am to 4pm, Friday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 22.  Beginning on Monday, Aug. 23, the site will be open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm.

            Anyone who needs a COVID-19 test is encouraged to pre-register before showing up at the site.  They can do so by visiting https://honumg.info/LTSGA001 or calling 844-778-2455.  Patients will be able to complete the entire testing process without getting out of their vehicle, and they should receive the results within 24-48 hours. 

            DPH strongly urges anyone who has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so right away

. “The COVID-19 vaccines are not perfect, but they are safe and effective.  While we have seen an increase in breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals lately, unvaccinated people are much more likely to contract COVID-19 and suffer more severe complications,” Dr. Ruis said.  “Our advice is simple: get the shot.” 

            DPH and other major institutions in the community have joined together for the Strive for 75 initiative. The goal is to get 75% percent of Dougherty County residents vaccinated against COVID-19.  Vaccines are available by appointment at every health department in the district.  Call your local health department to make an appointment.