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There are a lot of people in Chattooga County who have had COVID-19.  The latest numbers show over 4,500 residents have been affected by the coronavirus.  WZQZ talked with public information director Logan Boss with the Northwest Health District of the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

We asked about rapid testing availability for Chattooga County residents.  Boss said that there is no rapid testing available by the health district in Chattooga County.  However, county residents can take advantage of rapid testing sites in Floyd, Catoosa, Bartow and Paulding Counties.  There is no appointment necessary for the drive-up tests.

Boss also explained the difference between the rapid-test and the PCR tests.  Boss said, ” PCR tests are by far more accurate than rapid test but usually take longer to get results.  PCR tests use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the viral genetic material of COVID-19. This genetic material can be detected while a person is actively infected and also after the acute illness.”

Boss added, “A rapid test also involves collecting nose and throat secretions via swab and then examining them for protein fragments specific to the COVID-19 virus. While these tests provide quick results—within 15 minutes—they are generally considered to be less accurate than PCR tests. It’s common to get a false negative (a result that indicates the individual does not have coronavirus when they actually do) or a false positive (a result that indicates a person has coronavirus when they actually don’t).”

Rapid tests are now available for free by visiting www.covidtests.gov .  Four, free COVID rapid tests will be mailed to anyone who requests them.  There is a limit of four per address but those requesting the tests are not asked for any personal information other than their email address and mailing address.