By V. Hugh Lewis II, publisher
Monday’s announcement by Governor Greg Abbott that the Texas National Guard would be mobilizing more than 1,200 personnel to create COVID-19 mobile testing teams (MTT) to various parts of the state left rural counties wondering whether or not they’d have access to testing locations. That question was answered late this week as the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and DSHS starting notifying county judges of the locations.
Marion County will have a MTT from 9a-5p Sunday, April 26, at the Kellyville Community Center.
“I’m pleased to announce an MTT will be here in Marion County on Sunday,” said Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur. “I’ve been asking DSHS, or anyone who’d listen, for testing here. Since we rely on other counties for hospital services and other essential services, and have so many folks traveling through the county, it only makes sense for us to have one.”
The MTT will screen individuals to see if they have:
- Fever and/or Chills
- Cough (Dry or Productive)
- Fatigue
- Body Aches/Muscle or Joint Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Sore Throat
- Headaches
- Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
- Nasal Congestion
- Loss of Taste and/or Smell
The tests are conducted only by appointment, and are only for county residents. To sign-up for a test, residents need to either visit https://txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400. An initial screening will be done and if symptoms are identified (display one or more of the above symptoms), a test will be scheduled. Everyone is encouraged to arrive as close to their appointment time as possible so there is little waiting.
The tests are free to Marion County residents. Those receiving a test also do not have to leave their car to be tested. The whole process takes about 15 minutes to collect the test but results take 2-3 days to receive.
MTT will not be performing the “antibody test.”
LaFleur said he was instructed by TDEM to wait to announce the MTT to Marion County so we could get all the information from TDEM and DSHS and be able to respond to residents questions immediately and with the appropriate information.
“Staying ahead of COVID-19 is about having information,” LaFleur said. “I had only received verbal notification of the MTT coming here, and wanted to get all the information from TDEM and DSHS before saying anything about it. Residents have questions, I have questions, we all have questions. I wanted to make sure I could answer the most common ones before residents started asking them. I’m constantly getting updates and trying to relay that information to the people in Marion County as fast as I can.”
LaFleur said additional information, and the only information he uses comes from a variety of State agencies including DSHS, TDEM, and almost daily briefings from Abbott’s office and staff.
“I’d like to thank TDEM, MTT, State Representative Chris Paddie, and Governor Abbott for helping us navigate through this crisis,” LaFleur added.
Additional information on Texas and the COVID-19 response can be found at:
- DSHS website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus
- Texas Health and Human Services Website: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/coronavirus-covid-19
- TDEM website: https://tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/
- CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
LaFleur’s has been providing an almost daily video update on COVID-19 and Marion County. They can be found on the Herald‘s YouTube Channel.