Fever. Cough. Shortness of breath. There aren’t many symptoms of COVID-19, but you can never be too sure if your symptoms are from the virus or something else. It’s good to get tested as soon as you can if you believe you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They may appear anywhere between 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
If you live in Lafayette Parish and you feel as though you are experiencing any of the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, help is here. At 4 p.m. yesterday, Mayor-President Josh Guillory informed us that a free drive-thru COVID-19 screening site will open at the Cajundome. The screening facility will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day as long as needed throughout the Parish.
You are encouraged to get screened only if:
1. You are experiencing symptoms of viral respiratory illness (coughing or shortness of breath) and/or a temperature greater than 100.4°.
2. You are experiencing symptoms an you are considered a high-risk individual.
High-risk individuals are:
1. Healthcare workers in direct contact with confirmed/suspected COVID-9 cases.
2. Pregnant women.
3. Individuals weak or impaired immune systems.
4. Individuals who are age 60 or older.
5. People living in communal settings (Nursing Facilities, Shelters, etc).
6. Infants who are less than 10 weeks old.
Participants need to bring a photo ID and insurance information. The screening is free unless you do not have insurance. If you do not have insurance, there will be a charge associated with the private lab process that the sample collected. This payment will not be collected on-site.
Participants will first be tested for the flu. If your flu results come back negative, specimens will be sent for COVID-19 testing.
Lafayette Consolidated Government will be expanding its 31 call center with medical professionals who can answers questions and perform a pre-screening over the phone.
Be safe. Be smart. Do your part to slow down the spreading of the virus. Wash your hands often, cough or sneeze into your sleeves, bolster your immune system with vitamins, eat healthily and limit your interaction with others.
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