Colquitt County COVID-19 test site swabbing nearly 200 nasal cavities a day

MOULTRIE, Ga. – As COVID-19 continues to spread through Georgia. New Covid-19 infections are being discovered through the thousands of tests being performed everyday.

in the Southwest Georgia Public health District there are around 12 COVID-19 testing sites spread between nine different counties. Health Director for the Southwest Georgia Public Health District Dr. Charles Ruis says at this time, Colquitt County is the most active test site and averages nearly 200 tests on a daily basis.

“The first week of June, Public Health tested a little over 400 patients in Colquitt County. Then last week we tested 956 so that’s an increase of 128%.”

Dr. Ruis says improved testing doesn’t solely explain the reason for increasing COVID-19 numbers.

“The increased testing may account for some of the more positives but we think that it’s also due to the transmission of the disease.”

An uptick in the rate of transmission is being reported throughout the state of Georgia and the country and when people suspect they might have the virus, a free COVID-19 test is readily available. Within three hours of setting up shop, the Colquitt County testing site swabbed 109 nasal cavities.

“And since these numbers have increased as far as the testing, that kind of underscores why it’s so helpful to call and make an appointment.”

In making an appointment, people are able to register before driving over to the site, just call (229) 352-6567.

“People won’t drive to the health department and have to wait a long time to be registered outside.”

Since registering a patient prior to waving them over to the swabbing station can take at least five minutes per person in the vehicle.

Dr. Ruis says the Southwest Georgia Health District is planning on rolling out a way to schedule appointments and register online as soon as next week.

To see a list of testing sites that will be open during the holiday weekend click here.