Signups for Friday’s Mobile Testing Unit Begin Today

Mobile COVID-19 testing is returning to Marion County on Friday, May 8, 2020, at the Kellyville Community Center, and today is the first day the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) is allowing individuals to call in to signup for appointments.

A pre-screening is required before an appointment can be scheduled, and you must have some of the symptoms of COVID-19 to get an appointment. The only test provided on Friday is the nasal swab test. The antibody test will not be conducted.

Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur first reported the return of the mobile testing unit late Tuesday night, but also noted that TDEM would not start taking appointments until Thursday.

“TDEM is trying to keep the appointment lines from being overrun as they set up these testing sites around the state,” LaFleur said. “So, they are not opening up appointments until 24-hours before the testing begins. Everyone must have an appointment to get tested. If you just drive out to Kellyville and try to get tested, you’ll be turned back.”

The test procedure takes about 15 minutes, and results are available in 3-5 days.

Antibody tests are available in Marion County from Jefferson Life Center (PhyNet), but an appointment is still recommended. Other area clinics and hospitals are also offering the antibody test in Marshall, Longview, and Atlanta.