Health Department extends hours for COVID-19 testing

The county health departments in southwest Oklahoma will extend their hours to accommodate COVID-19 vaccinations and testing and a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site will be held in Lawton.

The drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be held at the Comanche County Fairgrounds, 920 SW Sheridan Road, from 8 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, January 4. The health department will have both the rapid and PCR tests available. Drivers will need to use the entrance on ‘G’ Avenue and proceed to the EXPO building. Drivers will then exit on Sheridan Road. The Drive-thru is only for those who need a COVID-19 test. Individuals who need a COVID-19 vaccination will need to go to the health department, 1010 SW Sheridan Rd.

Health officials say they will remain open until 6 pm once a week for COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, and in Comanche, Jackson and Caddo counties, the health department will be open on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.

“This is a short-term, interim solution in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, given increased travel over the holidays,” said District 5 Regional Administrative Director for the Oklahoma State Department of Health Brandie Combs.

Combs says the extended hours for testing is for individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and those who may have been exposed to the virus in the last three to five days. This testing site is not appropriate for those seeking testing results for employment requirements, travel or medical procedures.

District 5 serves a 10-county region including Beckham, Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Tillman and Washita Counties.

Individuals are encouraged to register prior to arrival for their COVID-19 testing even though walk-ins are available based on availability. Appointments are encouraged and can be made online at: osdh.immytech.com

The schedule for extended county health department hours include:

Kiowa County

Tuesday, January 4 and Tuesday, January 11 from 8 am to 6 pm

Tillman County

Thursday, January 6 and Thursday, January 13 from 8 am to 6 pm

Comanche County

Wednesday, January 5 and Monday, January 10 from 8 am to 6 pm

Saturday, January 8 and Saturday, January 15 from 10 am to 3 pm

Jackson County

Wednesday, January 5 and Monday, January 10 from 8 am to 6 pm

Saturday, January 8 and Saturday, January 15 from 10 am to 3 pm