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Coastal Health District opening second collection site for specimens
COVID-19

By Georgia Department of Public Health


CHATHAM COUNTY -- The Coastal Health District is opening a second specimen collection site to increase access to COVID-19 testing in our area.

 The first facility opened Thursday in Glynn County and this second location will open Friday in Chatham County. 

These collection sites are only for individuals who meet the criteria for priority testing and have a doctor referral. The drive-through facilities are by appointment only and are NOT open to the general public.

 These specimen collection centers are part of a state-wide effort to increase testing for 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. 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. 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.