COVID-19 Testing Just a Phone Call Away for Residents

COVID-19 testing is now just a phone call away in Comal County.

A drive-through testing center operated by private physicians, the county, City of New Braunfels and other agencies has opened its phone line to the general public.

Callers will be screened by nurses, who will set up telemedicine appointments for those whose symptoms qualify them for testing.

“Anyone who thinks they need a COVID-19 test can call 830-312-7980, and the nurses at that number will help set them up a telemedicine appointment to make sure they meet testing criteria and – if they do – get an order for a test,” said Cheryl Fraser, Comal County’s director of public health. “We want to make sure everyone in our community who needs a test can get one, regardless of whether they have immediate access to a doctor.”

PPE Now Available for Physicians

Comal County said in a press release today it has received thousands of masks, face shields and gloves from the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

The personal protective equipment (PPE) will be made available to primary care physicians who might treat COVID-19 patients or who conduct coronavirus testing in unincorporated areas of the county, as well as in the cities of Bulverde, Garden Ridge and Spring Branch.

The equipment includes 8,000 masks, 2,000 face shields and 2,000 nitrile gloves. Physicians should call the Comal County Office of Public Health at 830-221-1150 to arrange pickup.

“This is a great opportunity for local doctors who might be short on equipment to restock their supplies so they can continue doing heroic work caring for their patients,” said Jeff Kelley, Comal County’s emergency management coordinator. “Stopping the spread of coronavirus requires doctors and nurses who can safely do their job, and this is a big step toward making sure they can continue to do so.”