EMS offers free COVID testing

By Sandy Morris

While many local residents are anxiously waiting for their names to be called for a COVID vaccine, others are looking for convenient places to be tested for the virus.

Shackelford County EMS supervisor Tina Ulbrich announced that the local ambulance service recently received 640 rapid tests to be administered free of charge.

“We received these tests through a special program,” said Ulbrich. “The tests are completely free, and results will be available in 15 minutes.”

Ulbrich said appointments must be made for the tests.

Specific times will be scheduled between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In addition to those who are showing COVID symptoms, the tests are available to those who are seeking a negative outcome.

“It can be expensive to be tested when all you need is a certificate to return to work or school,” said Ulbrich. “Since these tests came to us free of charge, we want to pass that along and provide them to Shackelford County citizens free of charge as well.”

Citizens must have a valid drivers license and an email address in order to receive a test. 

“Once an appointment has been made, residents can pull up, call us and stay in their cars,” said Ulbrich.
“Someone will come out to the car to administer the test.”

For more information or to schedule a test, contact Shackelford County EMS at 325-762-3313.