Coronavirus testing available in Tupelo at MedPlus

Wednesday morning MSDH reported 13 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi in eight counties. Counties with their first #coronavirus cases are Bolivar, DeSoto, Madison and Perry.

The state total now stands at 34, with 513 individuals tested.

One of the biggest problems in dealing with the virus is a lack of testing.

However, WTVA first reported that an urgent care clinic in Tupelo is offering drive-up testing for those with virus symptoms. MedPlus is the clinic and also has an office in Fulton.

You can be tested if you have a high fever and cough or have come in contact with someone who may have contracted the virus during travel.

To be tested, one should register with the MedPlus website at MedPlusCares.com or call 662-841-0002 and provide the requested information.

A patient should select the Tupelo or Fulton clinic. The Tupelo clinic is at 874 Barnes Crossing Road in front of Academy Sports. Provide fever or cough as the reason for testing and provide a description of the vehicle you will be arriving in. Provide insurance information if you have it but no co-pay will be required or no fee if you do not have insurance.

You will be given a time to go to the clinic but do not enter the building. Instead, park in the back and a nurse will come to your vehicle to conduct the test while you remain in the vehicle.

If the person has flu symptoms he or she will be tested for flu as well and the result of that test will be available in minutes.

The swab for the coronavirus will be sent off as other health providers may be doing with the result back in a day or two. The clinic will call the patient with results and any treatment recommendations.

According to the WTVA report, at least 50 tests can be conducted at each clinic daily with more testing expected by the end of the week.

With the increase of COVID-19 cases across the state, preventive actions become more important for everyone. Avoid large gatherings, keep your distance in public, keep hands clean by washing 20-25 times a day, and stay home if you are sick.

Find complete information about COVID-19 and preventive steps to take at http://HealthyMS.com/covid-19.