Erie County encourages rapid testing for COVID-19 prior to Thanksgiving gatherings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 23, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT:
Walter Ang
Communications Specialist, Erie County Department of Health
wang@eriecountypa.gov
Erie County encourages rapid testing for COVID-19 prior to Thanksgiving gatherings
Erie, PA — County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie County Department of Health encourages the public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as preparations are underway for Thanksgiving gatherings, to protect vulnerable members of the community and to prevent the possibility of overburdening local hospitals.
Community members are discouraged from hosting or attending gatherings if positive for COVID-19, exhibiting its symptoms or have been in close contact with anyone who has COVID-19.
Importance of testing
Testing for COVID-19 is recommended if exposed to anyone who is positive for COVID-19 or if exhibiting its symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fever or chills, muscle or body aches, vomiting or diarrhea, or loss of taste or smell. Testing results can help determine appropriate care and treatment if needed.
Rapid testing results are available in 15 minutes at free mobile testing clinics organized by the Erie County Department of Health. No insurance is needed and walk-ups are welcome. There is a clinic scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Presque Isle Down and Casino, 8199 Perry Highway, Erie.
“By providing access to rapid testing prior to the holiday, we are hopeful more people can attend gatherings with friends and family knowing they will not spread COVID-19,” said Erie County Executive Dahlkemper. “We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season, and reducing the spread of this virus will be a part of that this year.”
For schedule of other testing sites, visit eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-testing-information.
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