The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is sponsoring local COVID-19 testing initiatives on the plateau Jan. 4 and Jan. 11.
The format will be drive-thru at the Village Green in Cashiers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Highlands Recreation Center from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
To ensure adequate testing supplies on the day of, participants are encouraged to notify Mountain Park Urgent Care if interested in participating at info@mtnparkuc.com.
“This post-holiday timeframe is a critical time to be tested because CDC and science tells us positive cases will likely increase after travel and gatherings with family and friends,” said Dr. Richard Ellin, Board member and leader of the HCHF testing project. “Identifying people with the virus helps to avoid a sudden spike, slow the rate of new infections, lower the overall number of cases, ease the pressure on health services, keep our schools open, workforce employed and community activity flowing.”
Macon County set a new record for number of active COVID-19 cases on Monday with 257 and health officials are wary of that number increasing even more following the Christmas holiday as people travel for family gatherings and other events. Thus far during the COVID-19 pandemic, Macon County has confirmed 1,331 cases of COVID-19 and recorded nine deaths.
Participants in the testing program will be asked to present a photo ID and insurance information on site. Uninsured participants are eligible to participate without cost, however a photo ID is required. Confidential results will be provided directly to participants by phone.
The tests will be administered by Mountain Park Urgent Care, of Sylva, in full compliance with CDC, FDA, and NCDHHS guidelines. The county health departments are provided COVID-19 test reports as required by NCDHHS.
Please note a COVID-19 test is a one-time indicator. Frequent hand washing, covering your face, and social distancing at least six feet apart are also important to protect yourself and others and to slow the spread of COVID-19. For questions and further information please call the Foundation office at 828-482-6510.
For more information about the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, visit www.hchealthfnd.org or call 828-482-6510.