Can’t get a COVID-19 test in Muscogee County? Here’s what to do
If you’re experiencing a long wait time to make an appointment for coronavirus testing in Muscogee County, here’s what steps you should take next.
Since the Columbus Health Department moved to appointment-only testing on July 13, the testing site has experienced a backlog of appointments. The health department tests about 192 people per day, according to spokesperson Pam Kirkland, but demand for testing has increased in recent weeks. Readers have reported wait times as long as two weeks.
As of Friday, July 24, appointments for coronavirus testing at the Muscogee County Department of Public Health were booked through the end of the following week.
If you can’t immediately get a COVID-19 test at the Muscogee County Health Department, you may want to get a test at a private testing site. Some testing sites have criteria for who can get tested and not all are free. It is recommended you call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
Here’s a list of testing sites in Muscogee County:
Acute Care Emergence at 7901 Veterans Parkway
- M, T, Th, F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Walk-up coronavirus and antibody testing for individuals with symptoms or known exposure. Free for insured patients, $75-$175 for uninsured depending on test type.
- Limited drive-up testing for patients who qualify. Must be at least 18 years of age. $0 out-of-pocket cost with most insurance or federal program for uninsured.
- Columbus: 1600 Ft. Benning Road. Fortson: 94 McCrary Rd. M, W 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., F 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For information call 706-322-9599
- Drive up testing and appointments available for patients with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Free for insured and uninsured patients
Mercy Med 3702 2nd Ave
- Drive up testing by appointment only by calling (706) 507-9209
If you have had contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus, you should stay home for 14 days and follow the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Quarantine Guidance. Even if you don’t currently have symptoms, you may still have the virus and could spread it to others. Up to 45% of people with coronavirus never develop symptoms. If you do not have symptoms, the DPH recommends that you wait until your 10th day of quarantine to get tested as a test earlier than the 10th day may result in a false negative.
You should also consult with your primary care doctor for testing and home treatment options.
If you cannot immediately get tested but think you may have coronavirus, you should stay home for 14 days and carefully monitor your symptoms. The DPH recommends taking your temperature twice a day and watching out for other symptoms. The three most common symptoms of coronavirus are fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.
If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for coronavirus, you may be contacted by contact tracers from the Georgia Department of Public Health. If you have not been contacted by public health but think you may have been exposed, you can self-enroll for contact tracing by calling 1-888-357-0169.
It is important to quarantine for the full 14 days even if you don’t have symptoms. You could develop symptoms at any point during those 14 days. Act as if you have the virus and quarantine yourself within your home and if possible stay away from any household members, especially those who are at high risk.
This story was originally published July 25, 2020 at 7:00 AM.