A drive-thru COVID-19 testing site will open at The Burton Complex in Lake Charles beginning on Thursday, March 26, at 1 p.m. for residents who wish to be tested for the virus.
The tests are for persons with symptoms who are at high risk for complications. Residents of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis Parishes are eligible for the testing.
Residents who seek testing should bring a driver's license or state-issued identification and any insurance information they may have. A doctor's referral is not needed.
Testing will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 3 p.m. Residents may begin lining up at 12:30 p.m. Testing will continue the following week on Tuesday, March 31, through Thursday, April 2, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day. Residents may begin lining up at 8:30 a.m.
Criteria for testing eligibility is as follows:
Fever 100.4 or greater
AND
One other symptom below:
Shortness of Breath
Cough
AND
One high risk condition below:
Age over 60 years old
Lung Disease (COPD, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis)
Heart Disease (NOT including hypertension)DiabetesImmunocompromised (HIV +, Cancer/Chemo within the past 2 years, Dialysis, Transplant recipient, or currently on medications that suppress your immune system).
A maximum of two people per vehicle may be tested and all must sit in the front seat of the vehicle.
Persons not meeting the eligibility requirements will not be tested. The service is scheduled to be available for two weeks. A maximum of 130 tests a day can be performed.
No restrooms will be available. No pets allowed. Residents with questions should call 211.
The Burton Complex is located at 7001 Gulf Highway in Lake Charles.
Participating agencies include:
Region Five ESF-8 Health and Medical Coalition
Louisiana Office of Public Health
Avail Hospital
Lake Charles Memorial Health System
Ochsner Christus Health System
The Pathology Laboratory
The Louisiana National Guard
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
For a full list of screening and testing sites, along with information for each, click here.
