Dear Editor
I want to thank you the G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center for sponsoring a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site last Wednesday. Even though I don’t have any major COVID-19 symptoms, I know how important it was to be tested. I have been hoping for a testing site to come to Yazoo County where no appointment was necessary and there was no prior screening.
When it was announced that a testing site was going to be held on Wednesday at McCoy Elementary School, I was delighted. I alerted some of the neighbors and friends and went over to be tested. I had to fill out a little paperwork. The staff person placed a swab deep into my nose to collect a sample for testing. I thought I was going to sneeze. I didn’t have to get out of my car. The test results will probably be available in five days. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act makes testing available to everyone at no cost to the person being tested.
The Coronavirus will be with us a long time. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you need to get tested. You can have the virus and give it to someone else. So, I hope G.A. Carmichael will sponsor more testing sites, and the media will inform the citizens of the dates, times and locations so that we can limit the spread of the virus.
If your COVID-19 test result is negative (or not detected), continue to reduce your risk of illness by practicing social distancing, following handwashing and heed hygiene guidelines and avoiding nonessential outings.
Get tested every opportunity you can.
Wallace Russell
