The Christian County Health Department will continue free COVID-19 testing at its Tie Breaker Park site through at least Jan. 31, the department confirmed Wednesday.
Earlier this month, with the looming expiration of federal funds, County Health Director Kayla Bebout announced the site would close on Dec. 31.
“We were able to secure alternate CARES [Act] funding to continue testing,” health department spokeswoman Amanda Sweeney told Hoptown Chronicle.
As local health officials pivot to focus on distributing vaccines to the community, testing will be offered on a more limited basis.
Beginning next week, the department will offer PCR (polymerise chain reaction) testing from 9 to 10:45 a.m Monday and Wednesday at Tie Breaker Park.
On Tuesday and Thursday, rapid antigen testing will be conducted at the health department’s Canton Street offices. The cost is $50 and an appointment is required. However, the department plans to discontinue rapid testing as of Jan. 11.
“We’re focusing our efforts more now toward mass vaccination, so that’s going to take a lot of our time and resources to get that done,” Sweeney said. “However, we are still going to be offering the Tie Breaker Park testing — the PCR testing — on Mondays and Wednesdays.”
Rapid testing is also available in other locations within the community, including Jennie Stuart Health and First Care Clinic.
“The hours out there are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m,” said Beth McCraw, the hospital’s vice president of nursing and clinical services. “I think it’s a great resource for our community. Especially during this time, it seems like we have a lot of folks that are having holiday gatherings, and so we’re starting to see a lot of folks come in to get tested.”
Businesses asked to make alternate arrangements
Health officials reiterated a previous request on Wednesday, asking businesses that are using the Tie Breaker Park site for employee testing to make alternate arrangements.
“This is going to free up testing opportunities for the general public who may have been exposed and have symptoms,” Sweeney said. “So, go ahead and make alternate plans for that testing for your employees, if they’re just coming on a regular basis to get tested per your protocols.”
This story has been updated.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
