Drive Thru Covid Testing at Colonnade

CATOOSA COUNTY, Georgia (WDEF) – There is a new COVID-19 testing site in Catoosa County.

Today was the second day the public could drive through and receive a test at no cost.

As News 12’s Dave Staley shows us, “The Colonnade” in Ringgold was a mighty busy place.

A long line at the Colonade! Catoosa County partnering with the Georgia Department of Public Health, providing a drive thru testing service. It started last Wednesday. This is open every Monday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 7 PM.

JOHN PLESS, CATOOSA COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION;
” With the fourth wave of COVID-19 underway, we’ve seen a lot of renewed interest in testing. We’ve also seen an increase in the number of teens tested. Obviously, our schools are concerned about that.”

DAVE STALEY, NEWS 12 NOW;
“Last week, some 562 cars came thru this site. But consider: in Savannah, several days ago, almost 2,000 cars came through that testing site.”

The test is a PCR Test. You’ll get the nasal swab as you sit in your vehicle. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms, or has been in close contact with an infected person, should be tested. Even if fully vaccinated.

JOHN PLESS, CATOOSA COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION;
“It is somewhat surprising the number of people we’ve seen, but then again, with the pandemic numbers rising, people are seemingly more interested in the value of testing. We’ve also seen a slight uptick in the number of vaccines.”

MAKO Medical is providing the testing. You’ll be notified within 2-3 days of the results. Either via the internet, or a text message.
Dave Staley, News 12 Now