The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is offering COVID-19 PCR testing at kiosks placed in communities across Georgia, including one located at the Henry County Public Safety Annex building located at 108 S. Zack Hinton Parkway in McDonough.
The kiosk, which resembles a vending machine, offers access to COVID-19 PCR testing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency Management Deputy Director Kevin Johnson said he is excited about the new 24-hour option as an additional service to residents.
“This is a convenient measure for those wishing to take a PCR test at any hour of the day,” said Johnson. “Our continued relationship with DPH allows us to bring the latest resources into our community to better serve our residents.”
After a person completes a brief online registration form, the kiosk dispenses a test kit that includes a nasal swab, like other at-home tests, and instructions on collecting the specimen. Once the specimen is collected, it is safely packaged back into the kit and placed in the kiosk. The specimens are picked up daily and sent to an accredited lab for PCR testing.
Pre-registration for testing at the kiosk is not required but is available at https://register.testandgo.com. Individuals may also register at the kiosk by using a mobile phone to scan the QR code on the front of the vending machine.
There is no out-of-pocket cost for the tests provided through a DPH kiosk, but for those individuals with insurance, their insurance will be billed for the test. In many cases, individuals will receive notification of their test results by email or text within 48 hours of specimen collection.
A short video about using the kiosks can be found at www.dph.georgia.gov/covidtesting.
COVID-19 testing is one of many prevention measures—along with vaccination and booster doses, masking, and physical distancing—that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19. For more information about COVID vaccinations or boosters, visit www.dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine.
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH.
