TISD opened up a free rapid COVID testing center on Oct. 4 for students and faculty. The site is a drive-thru testing site located at 1600 Waterall Street, which is in the TISD services building’s parking lot. The times in which the testing will be available is 8:30-11:30 a.m. and noon-3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday only. 

“In order to be able to have a COVID testing site, we had to submit an application to TDEM [Texas Department of Emergency Management],” TISD Coordinator of Health Services Heather Spohn said. “They approved us and delivered the testing kits and PPE [personal protective equipment] that is needed.”

Although the COVID testing is free, people must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the test. TISD staff members must either be symptomatic or unvaccinated and required to test periodically. 

TISD students are only eligible for the testing if they are symptomatic and sent home from campus. The nurse will provide those tested with a letter, return to school form/date and instructions on what to do if tested negative or positive. 

“The TISD COVID Testing Site benefits students, parents and staff members in many ways,” Spohn said. “The top two benefits are that there is no cost to be tested, and they are able to get back to school/work sooner since the results are given the same day.”

Besides the new rapid testing center, The Bowie County Joint Operations Office has opened a free Antibody Infusion Center, which is located at 401 Industrial Blvd in Nash. The hours available are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 7 days a week. There is no appointment required, all that is needed is a doctor’s order stating the patient is COVID-positive or a copy of a positive COVID test. The infusion takes one hour, and each patient must stay an extra hour for monitoring. All patients must be 12 or older to be eligible.