RAYMONDVILLE — The state health department today and Saturday will screen residents who want to be tested for the coronavirus.
As part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s program, National Guard teams will conduct screenings free of charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Raymondville High School, 419 FM 3168.
“ The idea is to make testing available to the rural communities of Texas,” Frank Torres, Willacy County’s emergency management coordinator, said Thursday. “We want to test as many people as we can in Willacy County.”
Residents who want to be screened must register at TXCOVIDTEST.ORG or by calling 512-883-2400.
In response, state officials will contact residents to set a test appointment, Torres said.
“ We want people to register and come and be tested so we can get an idea if we’re missing anybody (infected),” Torres said. “It’s very critical. The concern is not enough people have been tested.”
Residents will be screened to determine if they have symptoms including fever or chills, cough, fatigue, body aches or muscle or joint pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, headaches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, nasal congestion and loss of taste or smell.
Torres said state officials plan to test about 150 residents a day.
State officials might call for more tests — as early as next week, Torres said.
“ If we see the interest is there and testing is needed, we’ll try to get more testing for Willacy County,” he said.
