Bartow County To Begin COVID Testing At LakePointe Sports Complex

CARTERSVILLE, GA — Beginning Thursday, Bartow County residents can get tested for COVID-19 for free twice a week in Emerson.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has contracted with MAKO Medical, which will provide drive-in testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at LakePointe Sports Complex (261 Stars Way, Emerson).

Anyone with a Georgia address can take advantage of the free tests, the Bartow County Health Department said on Facebook. Registration is strongly recommended, and can be done either online here or by calling (919) 351-6256.

The testing is done by nasal swab, and MAKO Medical will provide results within two or three days via their online portal or via text message. Residents can sign up for text message notifications during the registration process, according to the Facebook post.

Though the registration process requires an insurance identification and policy number, those wishing to get tested do not have to be insured. Anyone who is not can choose "uninsured," then can either input their social security number or select a box stating they do not have one.

Residents should allow 30 minutes to complete the testing process, and delays may occur due to inclement weather.

"Anyone who has COVID-19 type symptoms or has been in close contact recently with a person infected with the virus needs to be tested for COVID-19, even if they are fully vaccinated," the department said on Facebook.