We understand that some members of our community have become nervous now that the first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Perry County. Many of you would like to be tested or are wondering if you may have been exposed to the coronavirus. While there are a number of organizations providing testing in our area, due to the limited number of tests available nationwide, you cannot be tested just because you’d like to be. You must meet testing criteria, including exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, in order to be tested.

If you believe you need COVID-19 testing, your first step should be to contact your primary healthcare provider if you have one. They will be able to evaluate whether or not you need a test, and they will be able to do the test or refer you somewhere else for testing. If you do not have a primary care provider, we suggest that you contact a testing site listed under “Other Testing Options” below for advice or evaluation.

ADPH Testing

The Alabama Department of Public Health will provide COVID-19 testing outside the Perry County Health Department on Thursday, April 9 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Testing is by appointment only, and only a healthcare provider may schedule appointments for patients. In order to be referred for testing, you must be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and also fall into at least one of the following four categories:

• Be immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions.
• Be 65 or older.
• Be a healthcare worker.
• Have moderate to severe or worsening symptoms.

If you would like to be tested, please contact your healthcare provider so you can be evaluated to determine if you meet the testing criteria. There will be no walk-in testing offered by ADPH. Only individuals who meet the criteria, have a medical referral, and were scheduled for an appointment will be tested.

Other Testing Options

Testing for anyone who meets COVID-19 testing criteria is currently available at:

• Cahaba Medical (Marion)
• Cahaba Medical (Centreville)
• Hale County Hospital (Greensboro)
• Whitfield Regional Hospital (Demopolis)
• Main Street Urgent Care (Selma)

The Vaughan Marion Clinic is also providing testing for their current patients who meet testing criteria.

Prevention Precautions

Remember that to slow or stop the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in our community, we must all do our part. Governor Ivey has imposed a stay-at-home order in Alabama until April 30, which means that all Alabamians should only be leaving their homes to access or provide essential services. We should all be washing our hands as often as we can and touching our faces as little as we can.

If you feel sick or know that you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus, you should not leave your home for any reason other than to access healthcare, and you should isolate yourself from those who live with you as much as possible.

When you must interact with other people, you should maintain six feet of distance to prevent the spread of the virus through respiratory droplets. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now suggests that we wear a mask, scarf, bandana, or other face covering when we leave our home to prevent the spread of the virus.

If our whole community takes these precautions, we will be able to significantly limit the spread of COVID-19 and potentially save the lives of our friends, family members, and neighbors.