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Weekly Update for 5.08.20

Testing Available for All
Early in the pandemic, COVID-19 tests were in short supply and reserved for the sickest patients and high-priority workers. But now, as more test kits are manufactured and laboratories are expanding their capacity to process tests, COVID-19 testing is much easier to access.

This week, Governor Kemp announced that all Georgians can now get tested, whether they have symptoms or not.

To help meet this goal, we have 3 specimen collection sites that operate by appointment (even on weekends!) in Savannah, Brunswick, and Richmond Hill. To get an appointment, call our COVID-19 Testing Call Center at 912-230-9744. Appointments are often available the same day you call.

We are also holding “pop-up” drive-through specimen collection events. These mobile sites are being set up in more rural areas so we can reach people who may not be able to get to one of the sites in Savannah, Brunswick, or Richmond Hill. Click the button below for next week's pop-up testing schedule:

Mobile Testing Site Schedule

Celebrating Mom

This week is a time when many extended families typically gather to honor their mothers for Mother’s Day, but it’s important to remember that just because some restrictions have been lifted doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. The threat of COVID-19 is still very real and can be especially dangerous for older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions. This Mother’s Day, consider celebrating via video chat, or have a small celebration with the family in your household and hold a larger celebration later when it’s safe to gather again. We wish all mothers out there a happy and healthy Mother’s Day.

FAQ: Can I Get COVID-19 from My Pet?

Answer: Based on the limited information we know right now, the risk of pets spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 is low. It's been reported that a few pets have been infected with the virus, mostly after coming into contact with people with COVID-19. Until we learn more, we should treat our pets like human family members and take certain precautions. Also, since animals can and do spread other viruses to people, it's still a good idea to wash your hands and use other good hygiene practices when around pets.
Recommended Precautions to Take with Pets

What about antibody testing?

Public health does not yet offer antibody testing. Some physicians can order antibody testing through a private lab, so you can check with your doctor to see if they have access to the antibody test. However, it's important to understand the limitations of antibody testing.

Antibody tests aren't recommended for diagnosis of current COVID-19 infection. The test looks for antibodies that are developed after an infection, so if you need to know if you have COVID-19 now, you need a test that identifies the virus in samples from your upper respiratory system, like a nasal swab.

Also, even though antibody testing can reveal if you had the illness in the recent past, we do not know if that means you're immune to getting the illness again. There are studies looking into the question of immunity, but right now we don't know if antibodies offer protection. Even if you have antibodies from COVID-19, it may still be possible to get sick if you're exposed to the virus again.

Why does social distancing work?
This video with mousetraps and ping pong balls can show you.

More About the History of Social Distancing & Quarantine