COVID-19 Testing Scheduled for April 30 at Canyon High School
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Free COVID-19 testing is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at Canyon High School, 1510 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Registration opens on Tuesday, April 28. Some 50 to 60 tests are available. The service is open to anyone who makes an appointment either online, at www.txcovidtest.org, or by calling 512-883-2400.
To qualify, residents will be screened for the following symptoms: Fever and/or chills; cough, dry or productive; fatigue; body aches or muscle and joint pain; shortness of breath; sore throat; headache; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; nasal congestion; or loss of taste and smell.
Testing is provided through the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Department of State Health Services in partnership with Comal County and Comal Independent School District (Comal ISD).
“Since this unprecedented situation with COVID-19 began in March, we have been working closely with Comal County as well as other public and private entities to ensure we have a coordinated response,” said Comal ISD Superintendent Andrew Kim. “This testing site partnership is a great example of how our working together benefits the residents of Comal County.”
County Judge Sherman Krause said the testing is an important step toward increasing Comal County’s testing capacity and ability to understand the spread of coronavirus.
“We’re pleased to partner with the state and Comal ISD to make this opportunity available for residents who might not otherwise have access to a doctor or be able to afford a test,” he said.
Gov. Greg Abbot Mobilizes National Guard for Testing
On April 20, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott mobilized some 1,200 members of the Texas National Guard as part of COVID-19 mobile testing teams (MTT).
The 45-member teams will be mobilized in various parts of the state providing greater access to medical testing, the state said in a press release.
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) conducted the first testing in Fredericksburg and Floresville.
“The State of Texas continues to expand our COVID-19 testing capacities and ensure that communities across the Lone Star State have access to the resources they need,” Abbott said. “I am grateful for the dedication of our Guardsmen as they continue to serve their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response.”
“COVID-19 testing is a crucial mission in our fight against this virus,” said Maj. Gen. Tracy R. Norris, adjutant general of Texas. “We are proud to support our partners TDEM and DSHS in bringing this critical capacity to areas in need of medical support.”
The teams will have 11 medical professionals and support staff, as well as 34 soldiers, the state said in its press release. Currently, the Texas National Guard has the capacity to test 150 people per day at each mobile testing team location.
The Texas Military Department was activated by Governor Abbott in March to assist communities across Texas in the COVID-19 response. Currently, over 2,500 Guardsmen are serving in various capacities in response to this activation. In working with local communities they have helped manufacture over four million pieces of personal protective equipment, conducted over 9,000 COVID-19 tests, and helped distribute food and supplies with local food banks to thousands of Texans each day.
The MTTs are in collaboration with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and DSHS.
