Coronavirus testing expands to rural areas in El Paso County
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The push to improve access to coronavirus testing is continuing in El Paso County. Mobile testing sites are launching in rural areas in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
The sites will be open each day between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., but the days of operation differ for each location.
May 19:
· Montana Vista Fire Station #2; 5411 Paso View Drive, El Paso, TX 79938
· Emergency Service District #2, 11440 N. Loop Drive, Socorro, TX 79927
May 20:
· El Paso County ESD #2 District Office; 16001 Socorro Road, Fabens, TX 79838
· West Valley Fire Department; 510 Vinton Road, Anthony, TX 79821
May 21:
· Horizon First Baptist Church; 17018 Darrington Road, Horizon City, TX 79928
· Emergency Service District #2; 11440 N. Loop, Socorro, TX 79927
May 22:
· Horizon First Baptist Church; 17018 Darrington Road, Horizon City, TX 79928
The tests will be available to those with and without symptoms, as carriers of the virus may be asymptomatic.
Individuals interested in being tested are asked to make an appointment 24 hours in advance online or by phone. Appointments can be set up at at WWW.TXCOVIDTEST.ORG or by calling 512-883-2400.
El Paso County Commissioner Vince Perez says it’s necessary to prioritize these rural areas in the fight against COVID-19.
“Many of these rural communities are many miles away from a clinic or a hospital, which poses significant concerns,” Perez said. “If somebody is displaying symptoms, they're more likely to put it off which will then ultimately cause a spread.”
Perez added we need to consider the long-term use of these sites as well.
“As more tests become available, it’s important that we look at long-term testing infrastructure,” Perez said. “Unfortunately, this is going to become the norm. You may not be sick now, but that's not to say you won't be sick next week or next month."
