County Health Officer Says Everything In Place For Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing

Hempstead County Health Officer Dr. Dale Goins says everything is in place for the COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing In Hope Friday (4-3). “We’re really excited about the plans for the COVID-19 drive-through testing site set up for Friday. We’ll be running from 10am until 4pm. The location is the back parking lot at UAHT. We will have the personnel to collect the speciments at that time,” said Dr. Goins.
Dr. Goins gave a list of qualifications to be tested. “The people who are eligible are the people who either have been exposed to someone with the virus…someone who’s in isolation or someone being tested for the virus…or anyone who has the symptoms of fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath, those will be the people who will be tested,” said Dr. Goins. “We do require that you have an insurance card and an I.D. in order for the test to be processed,” he said. Dr. Goins fuither added, “we’re looking forward to a good turnout…and we feel like we’ll give a lot of comfort to our residents and we may identify some people who are positive and allow them to isolate themselves and be more watchful of infections”. Dr. Goins said they may be able to identify some cases early and get those people isolated or in to treatment. He called it an “important thing” for our community, county, and state to be doing the testing.
Dr. Goins said he understands there are plenty of water and supplies for use by those who will be doing the testing Friday. He also expressed his sincere appreciation for all the people who have been working to get the testing set-up and for those who will be working at the testing. Says Dr. Goins, “their work is very much appreciated”.
Those who plan to come to the testing are reminded they must have private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. Also once they arrive they will not be allowed out of their vehicles so they will need to take care of any bathroom needs, food, or drink needs before leaving home.
The healthy.arkansas.gov website as of midday Thursday was identifying Hempstead County as having 1 to 4 confirmed cases. Dr. Goins said he had been told there were two confirmed cases.