OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in a public-private partnership with eTrueNorth and state and local officials, will bring free COVID-19 testing to Oklahoma between November 28 and December 19. Several of the testing dates and sites will be in southwest Oklahoma.
Surge testing efforts will temporarily increase federal support in communities experiencing a major uptick in cases and hospitalizations.
“We thank HHS for its continued support in protecting the health and safety of all Oklahomans,” said Dr. Lance Frye, Oklahoma Health Commissioner. “Across the country, we are experiencing aggressive, rapid, and expanding community spread of COVID-19, including here in Oklahoma. We must do everything we can to flatten the curve, to sustain the health system for both COVID and non-COVID emergencies. Focused testing is key to in- interrupting the current surge, including the identification of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals. In addition to getting tested, we strongly urge Oklahomans to wear a mask at all times in public, increase physical distancing through significant reduction in capacity in public and private indoor spaces, wash your hands frequently, and get a flu shot.”
Testing at the surge locations is free to the public and available to individuals age 5 and older. Individuals under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing.
Testing locations are drive-thru and by appointment only. Pre-register at www.DoINeedaCOVID19test. com. On-site registration also will be accommodated. An identification card is not required to get tested.
Surge testing sites use the nasal self-swab testing methodology. Test results will be received via email notification within 3-5 days.
Following is a schedule for surge testing locations in southwest Oklahoma:
Saturday, Nov. 28
Jackson County Health Department, 401 W. Tamarack Rd., Altus, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 29
Comanche County Health Department, 1010 S. Sheridan, Lawton, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 30
Great Plains Coliseum, 920 SW Sheridan Rd., Lawton, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5
Comanche County Health Department, 1010 S. Sheridan, Lawton, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6
Comanche County Health Department, 1010 S. Sheridan, Lawton, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.