Mississippi health experts will begin testing for COVID-19 today at the fairgrounds in Jackson. MPB's Kobee Vance reports you must have an appointment to be tested.
Any Mississippian can see if their symptoms qualify them for a free COVID-19 test at the drive-thru test site at the Fairgrounds in Jackson. The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Department of Health are testing over 120 patients a day. To be tested, patients must download the CSpire Health App for pre-screening to receive an appointment time. Jonathan Wilson, Chief Administrative Officer at UMMC, says there will be 4 lanes of testing being done, and drivers will remain in their vehicles while doctors and medical students swab their nose.
"And we anticipate roughly 15 minutes for one set of tests at a time, so that's kind of our general gauge of what we're trying to do currently. And all of that's in coordination with the State Department of Health and their public lab so we can get the test specimens to them, and we'll call the patients back with results."
Wilson says results should come in within 24 to 48 hours.
To be pre-screened, you can also call this number: 601- 496-7200