While testing for COVID-19 is available in Marion County to patients who meet certain criteria, the county does not have an official testing site, according to Marion General Hospital Administrator Alania Cedillo.
Cedillo said a person can be tested at the hospital or at Columbia Family Clinic, but the person must meet criteria to warrant the test, such as having a fever more than 100.4 degrees, coughing and shortness of breath.
With testing kits being limited, Cedillo said the hospital is not able to provide testing to anyone unless they meet the criteria.
If an individual needs to be tested for work purposes or any other reason, they will have to go to an official testing site. The closest site is at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Regardless of where an individual goes, it is requested to contact the medical facility first in case special arrangements need to be made.
The number for Forrest General Hospital is (601) 288-7000.
