Wondering if your cough is from COVID or the flu? Want to make sure you aren’t bringing either respiratory virus to your next family gathering? Now you can get free COVID and flu tests from seven testing kiosks in the Coastal Health District.
The testing kiosks were previously used only for COVID testing. The kiosks now dispense two test kits – one for COVID and one for influenza. The kiosks in the Coastal Health District are operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the following locations:
- Bryan County Health Department, Pembroke Clinic – 430 Ledford Street in Pembroke
- Coastal Community Health, Camden County – 202 Lake Shore Drive in St. Marys
- Chatham County Health Department – 1395 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah
- Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus, Student Union – 11935 Abercorn Street in Savannah
- Liberty Campus, Georgia Southern University – 175 West Memorial Drive in Hinesville
- Glynn County Health Department – 2747 Fourth Street in Brunswick
- Coastal Community Health Services, McIntosh County – 1022 Miller Ln. SW in Darien
After completing a brief registration form, the kiosks dispense two individual test kits with nasal swabs and instructions on collecting the specimens. Nasal swabs must be done for each test. Once the specimens are collected, they are packaged back into the kits and placed in the kiosk. The specimens are picked up daily and sent to a lab for PCR testing. Individuals will receive notification of their test results by email or text, usually within 48 hours of specimen collection.
Pre-registration for testing at the kiosks is not required but is available at https://register.testandgo.com/. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the tests provided through a DPH kiosk; for individuals with insurance, their insurance will be billed.
In addition to testing, vaccination and good respiratory hygiene also help prevent the spread of COVID and flu. The Coastal Health District encourages everyone to:
- Frequently and thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water.
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow to help prevent the spread of germs.
- Stay home from work or school if you’re sick.
