Volunteers prepare to open COVID-19 testing site at Bethel Church

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A brand new COVID testing web site will probably be opening this week at Bethel Church close to FSCJ’s campus downtown.

Sufferers can cease by 215 Bethel Baptist St. in Jacksonville between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Saturday morning, greater than 35 volunteers had been on the point of open the positioning Monday by performing self-tests. They had been principally doing a follow run for when the testing occasion occurs subsequent week.

That method they’ll know the method, be capable to take folks by it and reply any of the questions they’ve.

Victoria Bells, CEO of Group Well being Care Methods, mentioned the self-testing rehearsal really serves one other objective as nicely.

“There’s a follow run, however they’re additionally testing one another. As a result of each single person who checks another person must have the check accomplished themselves so we all know we may have their outcomes again earlier than they ever see another person,” Bells mentioned. “Earlier than they see a affected person, they’re going to be unfavourable themselves.”

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Bethel Church was based in 1838 and is the oldest Baptist church congregation within the state of Florida.

Officers say testing assets are significantly necessary for the Black group, the place outreach continues to be a problem in the case of vaccines and testing.

Checklist: COVID-19 testing websites in Northeast Florida

Officers additionally say distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine course of within the Black group continues to be a difficulty. That’s why the Bethel Church is partnering with a Black-owned firm out of Georgia that has beforehand labored with colleges and the homeless inhabitants in Atlanta.

Because the omicron variant continues to trigger complications for hospital workers, employers and residents, testing as a method of COVID-19 surveillance is as vital as ever.

It’s why, Bells says, it’s so very important to maintain testing accessible — significantly for the Black group.

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“What you see proper right here is gorgeous, proper? If we educated extra folks like this, proper? It might not be such a pressure on the hospitals, or the medical facilities, as a result of testing now has developed,” Bells mentioned. “So when the following variant comes, as a result of it is going to come, this group goes to be ready.”

The drive-thru location for the checks will probably be on the west aspect of the constructing, the place automobiles will line up and get these PCR check outcomes. In the meantime, drivers may also be parked within the car parking zone to await their fast check outcomes. Each checks will probably be provided.

In the meantime, the Florida Division of Well being Duval County introduced it’s rolling again accessible hours on the Emmett Reed testing and vaccination web site. After Feb. 5, the division mentioned workers will not be working the positioning on Saturdays.