Doctors encourage COVID-19 testing ahead of the holidays

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In those final days leading up to Christmas, doctors are warning people to get tested now.

On days like Tuesday with heavy rain, your go-to testing sites may have been closed.

That’s why some are opting for at-home tests this holiday season to save themselves the time.

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Outside of Walgreens, Pam Davidson showed us the at-home COVID-19 test she just bought.

She said her daughter has been sick the last couple of weeks and then she didn’t feel well.

“Before I go back to work I just want to make sure I don’t infect somebody else so I’m just playing it on the safe side,” Davidson said.

With omicron spreading throughout the country, doctors are encouraging everyone to play it safe this holiday season.

Shoppers buying at-home COVID testing kits said going through another Christmas dealing with the virus isn’t ideal.

“It’s frustrating. It’s disappointing and frustrating,” one shopper said. “(We) have family members coming in traveling and then have vulnerable family members here. So we’re just being extra cautious.”

Even if you’re fully vaccinated, Telescope Health officials said getting tested is the best thing to do before seeing family and friends for Christmas.

“This is where just by doing a little bit of planning you can significantly reduce those risks,” Telescope Health medical director and chief operating officer Dr. Matthew Thompson said.

Dr. Thompson said no matter what test you get, you should be committed to laying low afterwards.

“You want to try to give yourself at least three or four days of really isolating yourself after a negative test to be sure,” Dr. Thompson said.

On a day like Tuesday, where the Telescope Health testing site had to shut down due to rain, Dr. Thompson said at-home tests aren’t a bad option.

However, he said the at-home tests work best if you have symptoms.

“All the packaging, all the data has supported that. Really, they’re just meant to be used for people who have symptoms specifically within the first five to seven days of those symptoms,” Dr. Thompson said.

Action News Jax visited several CVS and Walgreens stores to find plenty of at-home tests still on the shelves.

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At-home COVID-19 tests

Doctors said the at-home tests are the most effective within the first five days of showing symptoms. Most tests cost $20 to $30.

However, if you’re asymptomatic, doctors say the PCR test will give you the most accurate results.

With Christmas falling on a Saturday this year, the city holiday falls on Dec. 24.

Therefore, the Telescope Health testing site will not be open on Friday, Dec. 24 or on New Year’s Eve. So if you’re looking for a last minute test, Thursday will be your last day.

“I would plan accordingly to be on the safe side and give yourself at least 48 hours, but our results are still coming back (the) next day right now,” Dr. Thompson said.

You can find other testing sites through Agape Family Health, Avecina, and the City of Jacksonville.

Avecina officials said they will be open for testing on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Agape Family Health testing sites will be closed December 23, 24, 25 and 26 for Christmas, as well as December 30, 31 and January 1 and 2 for New Years.

We are waiting to hear back from the city when its testing sites will be closed for the remainder of the holiday season.

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