Federally funded sites will open Monday in Hoover, Center Point and Tuscaloosa offering up to 60,000 free coronavirus tests over the next two weeks.
The surge testing is part of a general effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus in Alabama. Although the number of cases and positivity figures have dropped in recent weeks, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams said Alabama was still in the “red zone” that could make businesses and schools dangerous again.
The test sites will be able to perform about 1,500 tests per day, said Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. People will need to go online to register for a test, but they will be available regardless of symptoms or possible exposure. Dr. Jefferson County Health Officer Mark Wilson encourages people with symptoms to test, along with those who are exposed to a positive patient. He also said that essential workers and those who have spent time around a large number of people need to be tested.
“We have the ability to do a maximum of 60,000 tests in two weeks,” Wilson said. “We want people to be tested when they feel they have been in an environment with a lot of people. We made it almost as easy as you can possibly make it. ‘
Adams said Alabama was the only state in the red zone with statistics running in the right direction. He credits Gov. Kay Ivey, who announced a statewide mask order in July, with control of the state’s outbreak.
“Dr. [Deborah] Birx wanted me to say, in our opinion, it’s quite a part of the reason we see Alabama turning its figures around and moving in the right direction, ‘Adams said.
Adams said Alabamians should continue to follow public health guidelines. Washing hands, exercising social distance, wearing masks and avoiding crowded indoor spaces can prevent most transmission, he said. Adding the extra tests will help control outbreaks by identifying cases and tracking contacts, he said.
When asked about photos of people following the streets in Tuscaloosa, Adams said they should not leave their guard.
“All it costs is one group of people deciding they should have a frat party,” Adams said. “One group of people decided to have a barbecue. Then you have a cluster. And then a cluster can become an outbreak. ”
Test results should be available in three to five days, Adams said. Results might come back sooner and will be delivered via email, he said.
All those who register will manage the test themselves on one of the sites. Adams demonstrated the technique, which involves swabbing the inside of both nostrils, but does not oblige the user to reach the heel back to the throat.
Testing will also be available for children. Several Jefferson County school districts began in-person classes this week. Each person who completes a test will receive five reusable masks.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services began screening surge tests at locations in Florida, Louisiana and California in July.
Tests will be conducted at Cathedral of the Cross in Center Point, 1480 Center Point Parkway, the Riverchase Galleria Sears Parking Lot, 2500 Galleria Circle, and the Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service Logistics Center, 2201 University Blvd. The test sites will operate Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting August 24th.
Wilson said the Jefferson County Department of Health has increased its capacity to process contracts. He said the number of cases of coronavirus has decreased in recent weeks, along with hospitalizations.
“We’ve made a lot of improvements, but we have a long way to go,” Wilson said. “We are ready to handle those new issues and get the treatment done.”
