As we all do what we can to protect ourselves against the spread of COVID-19, there are a few things that experts consistently list as the best way to prevent infection: social distancing, washing your hands, and getting tested. COVID-19 testing in the United States is a particularly hot topic with conversations regarding its importance, its availability, and its efficacy being some of the most talked-about aspects of coronavirus in America.
In a situation where the illness in question is highly contagious, the obvious first step should be to identify infected persons so that they can be isolated from the general public and treated properly. But testing has other benefits too. Keep reading to find out more about what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have to say about the importance of COVID-19 testing sites.
What Are the Public Health Benefits of Testing?
When there is an outbreak of infectious disease, the best course of action is always for public health officials to start testing for it as soon as possible. This allows for quick identification of infected people and helps to be isolated immediately to prevent the spread of the virus and get the sick the treatment that they need. Early testing also gives people who worry that they may have come into contact with an infected person but are not yet showing symptoms chance to catch it before it gets worse and to isolate themselves.
For those that remain uninfected, it is important for them to be able to have access to the accurate number of confirmed cases so that they can make informed decisions about where to go and how to best protect themselves.
Why Is It Important to Have Plenty of Testing Sites?
Accessibility to tests is key is they are going to have a useful impact among different demographics in various parts of the country. In South Korea, they know the importance of COVID-19 testing sites; testing for COVID-19 was made readily available and with mobile centers that conducted how tests free of charge, with results sent to peoples’ phones within 24 hours. In the United States, we do not have nearly as many testing centers as we should, and most of them are too expensive to be accessible without insurance. The communities that have been hit the hardest are those without a good health system and accessible testing centers available.
Without plenty of testing sites, we are less likely to have a correct count of cases; people may think that the situation is getting better and that it’s safe to be in close contact with no precautions. It also helps local health officials to know when to allow people to go back to normal and at what capacity.
Get Tested Today at Village Emergency Centers
At Village Emergency Centers, we believe that everyone, regardless of who they are and how much money they have, should have access to affordable testing for COVID-19 to prevent the spread of the virus. In light of the importance of COVID-19 testing sites, we have tests readily available. If you worry that you or a loved one is infected, we have no contact testing so that you can get the answers you need without the wait or risk. We have locations all over the Greater Houston area, making our testing not only affordable but accessible. For questions about our testing process and prices, contact us. If you want to know more about the coronavirus in Houston or are just looking for more information on how you can prevent infection, check out our other blog posts or give us a call. We are here to help.