With the highly contagious Omicron variant of
COVID-19 spreading rapidly through Glynn and Camden counties,
Southeast Georgia Health System Emergency Care Centers and Immediate Care Centers are being overwhelmed with patients seeking COVID-19 tests.
“Unfortunately, our Emergency and Immediate Care Centers are severely
overcrowded with patients seeking COVID-19 tests because they’ve
been exposed or are experiencing mild symptoms. We’re asking the
community to please consider their level of urgency when seeking care
at one of our Centers,” said Michael D. Scherneck, president and
CEO. “Those who have been exposed to COVID-19 and want a test, or
those who are experiencing mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms should visit
their local pharmacy or a local test site. It is important that our staff
be available to care for the patients who are seriously ill or who require
urgent medical attention.”
The Department of Public Health offers free drive-through COVID-19 tests
in Glynn County at 3011 Kemble Avenue in the parking lot across from the
Health System’s Emergency Care Center, Monday-Saturday (with the
exception of January 1), 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. To pre-register for a COVID-19
test, visit gachd.org/covidtest or call 912-230-9744.
Free walk-in COVID-19 tests are also available in Camden County, Monday-Friday,
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at 202 Lakeshore Drive in St. Marys. Appointments are
required and can be scheduled by calling Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Primary
Care at 912-882-6767. The location will be closed on Friday, Dec. 31.
Health System providers and leaders continue to recommend prevention as
the best option against COVID-19. “This variant is highly contagious.
With everyone gathering together during the holidays, we’re seeing
clusters of family members test positive,” said Scherneck. “Your
best protection is to get vaccinated, get boosted, wash your hands frequently,
social distance and wear a mask in public settings.”
Scherneck added, “Of course, as always, we are here for the patients
who need us. If you’re having any type of serious medical emergency
or injury, you should immediately go to our Emergency Care Center or call
9-1-1.”
The Health System’s website offers information on how to manage COVID-19
at home. Learn more at sghs.org/About-Us/News-Publications/News-Alerts/Coronavirus.aspx