Columbus health district moves to appointment-only COVID-19 testing. How to sign up

The West Central Health District, which oversees 16 counties in the Columbus area, has moved to appointment-only COVID-19 testing due to an increased demand, according to a press release.

The change went into effect on Monday. Those wanting a test through the health department must register for an appointment time online at www.westcentralhealthdistrict.com.

Participants will be directed to a testing site in their county of residence:

• Chattahoochee County Health Department
• Clay County Health Department
• Columbus Health Department
• Crisp County Health Department
• Dooly County Health Department
• Harris County Health Department
• Macon County Health Department
• Marion County Health Department
• Quitman County Health Department
• Randolph County Health Department
• Schley County Health Department
• Stewart County Health Department
• Sumter County Health Department
• Talbot County Health Department
• Taylor County Health Department
• Webster County Health Department

Although testing is available for anyone who wants one, the agency recommends being tested if:

• You have been in direct contact with someone who has COVID-19 and have waited at least 10 days since the exposure.
• You are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

Residents can register for appointments now, and some locations have already seen days fill up. The test is free.

Only Georgia residents will be tested at a state health department sites, according to the news release.

Other local testing sites

The Department of Health has a full list of sites available here, but below are some local testing locations:

Piedmont Healthcare

Piedmont will only refer individuals for COVID-19 testing after booking a virtual visit with with an urgent care provider and meeting the criteria. If an individual meets the criteria, the physician will set up a testing appointment.

MercyMed - 3702 2nd Ave.

MercyMed on Second Avenue offers drive-up COVID-19 testing by appointment only, according to their website. To make an appointment, call 706-507-9209 and select option one to leave a message for their scheduling team.

CVS Pharmacy - eight locations in Columbus

CVS Pharmacy does free drive-thru COVID-19 testing for individuals 18 and older by appointment only. To get tested, individuals have to sign up for an appointment time online and get screened to qualify for testing.