In order to provide the community greater access to COVID-19 testing, local health officials have opened a new testing site on the campus of Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton.
LTS Labs will operate the drive-thru site in conjunction with Northeast Georgia Health System and District 2 Public Health, according to information released Thursday by local public health department officials.
The testing site is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1515 River Place in Braselton. While no appointment is required, online registration with LTS Labs is required to receive test results and to decrease wait times at the testing site. The tests being done at the new site are not rapid tests. Results will become available within 36 to 48 hours after the test is completed.LTS Labs is offering the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.
Health officials say COVID testing is recommended immediately for anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, individuals who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be tested, even if they are fully vaccinated. People who are fully vaccinated should get tested 3 to 5 days after exposure. Unvaccinated individuals should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in 5 to 7 days after last exposure.