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COVID-19 'mega-testing' site opening near Atlanta airport

By and
Updated  August 10, 2020 6:14pm EDT
Atlanta
FOX 5 Atlanta

Large COVID-19 testing site opens near Atlanta airport

The new testing site is open to anyone who wants to get tested, though officials recommend making an appointment.

ATLANTA - A COVID-19 "mega-testing" site, which has the capacity to test 5,000 people a day, is opening near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday.

"Today we're taking another step forward in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 here in Georgia," said Gov. Brian Kemp.

The new location is part of a push by the state to increase COVID-19 testing capacity. Georgia now has 170 public testing sites throughout the state and has increased capacity by nearly 20,000 tests per day since July 1.

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The Georgia Department of Public Health, Kemp, the U.S. Surgeon General, G.E.M.A., Homeland Security, and airport officials worked together to set up the massive operation.

"I've been to sites all around the country that are doing testing and this is among the best, the most efficient, the most comfortable," said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams.  "It's covered. There are many different lanes. There are services available in English and in Spanish.  You can easily come in and quickly get tested."

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The mega-testing site is located at 1800 Sullivan Road, College Park, Georgia, 30337. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Aug. 10 through Aug. 26. Testing is available to all Georgians regardless of symptoms, however, appointments and online registrations are recommended.

To register online and to make an appointment go to https://www.doineedacovid19test.com/. Appointments are limited to 500 on the first day only. There is no charge for testing.

State officials say test results will be available in 48-72 hours, and individuals will be provided with information on how to receive results once they are tested. Testing is available to all Georgia residents, regardless of the county they live in.

Tests are done by nasal swab and are self-administered. 

"Widespread testing and contact tracing, along with social distancing, wearing masks or face coverings in public and frequent handwashing, are critical to preventing further spread of COVID-19 in Georgia," officials said.

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