BRAZOS COUNTY, TX — Just days after Thanksgiving, a lot of people are starting this week with Covid 19 testing on their mind.
Many still wondering, if and when should they get tested after gathering for the holiday?
25 news reporter Rachael Espaillat shares the answer.
A long line of cars waited outside Connecting Point Church. It served as a central location for people who wanted to get tested for covid-19.
"We should you know, protect ourselves and protect our neighbors," Frank Lewis, who got tested for Covid said.
Lewis is senior citizen with health issues. He took advantage of the free drive thru screening.
"I love to be around my grandkids and great-grandkids but you know, I spent thanksgiving alone, you know, just for protection," Lewis said.
Unless you've had a direct exposure to someone with Covid for more than 15 minutes, you don't have to quarantine. However, medical professionals say "testing" is a must.
"If you're young and you've gathered, you need to be tested about five to 10 days later but you need to assume that you are infected and not go near your grandparents, and aunts and others without a mask," Dr. Deborah Birx said.
And with Christmas quickly approaching, we know even more holiday gatherings are on people's minds.
Lewis is still apprehensive to the idea.
"I can see them from a distance because some of them live right across the driveway from me and so as far as having a gathering at the house, we won't do that," Lewis said.
If you are showing over 65, and or are immune compromised and showing symptoms, Dr. Birx recommends getting tested immediately.
There is free testing available at the Brazos Center, Connecting Point Church and Brian Bachmann Community Park.
For more info about COVID-19 test sites in Texas, visit here.