Drive-through COVID-19 drive-through testing site to open in Conyers April 16

On Thursday, April 16, the Health Department for Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties will open a drive-through COVID-19 test site at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.

Due to increased testing capacity, up to 300 appointments will be scheduled daily for anyone who thinks they may be ill with COVID-19.

While the Health Department requires a scheduled appointment to test individuals, referral from a doctor is not necessary.

“We look forward to piloting this large-scale test site,” said Dr. Audrey Arona, district health director and CEO of Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments. “This is a fantastic collaboration between Rockdale and Newton County Governments, their EMAs, and the Health Department. Testing will provide individuals in the community an opportunity to learn if their illness is consistent with the COVID-19 virus, and it will help us improve our plans for providing large-scale testing.”

Since the Health Department first began testing on March 17, more than 1,100 people have been tested. Initially, testing was only available to first responders, elderly individuals with chronic medical conditions, as well as their caregivers and individuals living or working in congregate settings(nursing hoes, long-term care facilities, etc.). Now that laboratory capacity to process the tests has increased, the Health Department is opening testing to any sick individual in the general public.

To ensure enough test kits are available, the Health Department will only test individuals who have a scheduled appointment. Interested individuals should call 770-513-5631. Transportation to and from the testing site is required.

A medical provider will collect a nasal swab ,while the individual remains in his or her vehicle. Test results will be available around 48 hours after the swab is collected. Health Department staff will call individuals who test positive. However, all who are tested may retrieve their test results via the Lap Corp patient portal. Instructions will be provided before individuals leave the testing site.

More information is available on the Health Department’s website at www.gnrhealth.com/covid-19-info. Additional information about COVID-19 can be found at https://dph.georgia.gov and www.cdc.gov/covid-19.