OakBend Medical Center is now providing testing for COVID-19. In a Wednesday evening press release, Fort Bend County Judge KP George and Fort Bend County Health Authority Dr. Jacquelyn Minter commended OakBend Medical Group for establishing the hospitals as the county’s first testing site.

“Oakbend Medical Group is launching the first COVID-19 testing site in Fort Bend County. We are proud to support this effort for the well-being of our residents. This is yet another example of the great work of one of our major Fort Bend community partners, OakBend Medical Group,” George said.

Those seeking to be tested at OakBend must meet criteria set forth by the hospital and government officials:

• Patients must complete a telehealth visit by calling 281-238-7870 during which the following criteria will be examined:
  • Patients must be over the age of 65 or have an underlying health condition.
  • Does the patient have COVID-19 symptoms which include fever, cough and/or shortness of breath?
  • Is the patient a health care worker with suspected exposure to the novel coronavirus.

Testing, if deemed necessary by medical professionals, must be scheduled by health care workers during the telehealth visit.

Testing will occur between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and test kits are limited, the press release said.

Testing at the site will not be free and OakBend will charge Medicare, Medicaid or Commercial insurance for the test. Any patients without insurance who are covering the cost of the test themselves will be charged $100 in advance via credit or debit card prior to arriving for testing.

Those without symptoms of any kind do not need to be tested, officials have said, but should practice good hygiene:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

Officials continue to emphasize the necessity for Katy area residents to remain home unless it is necessary to go out for essentials.

Minter and George encourage residents to remain at home and to follow the process outlined by the county and OakBend in order to get tested, if necessary.

“For those seeking to be tested, it is important the guidelines and protocols are followed to ensure a smooth process,” George said.