A release today saw another change in the COVID-19 testing policy from the Georgia Department of Public Health and now testing will no longer be available in Polk County unless a rapid test is needed for someone who is symptomatic, and it will be available at the Polk County Health Department in Cedartown by appointment only.

The news comes after a month where Polk County cases grew and surpassed the 2,000 mark (see more later this evening.)

Per the release:

“Free COVID-19 rapid testing is now available at the Polk County Health Department,” says health department Nurse Manager Malindy Ely, “but by appointment for symptomatic people only.” Ely advises people who believe they may be symptomatic to call the health department at 770-749-2270 for an appointment.

Free drive-up COVID-19 testing is no longer available in Polk County, but remains available to Polk residents in neighboring Bartow, Floyd and Paulding counties. No appointment is needed.

WHERE: Bartow: Liberty Square Church, 2001 Liberty Square Drive, Cartersville, GA

                Floyd: Rome Fair Grounds, 1400 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd., Rome, GA.

                Paulding: Paulding Meadows, 472 Paulding Meadows Dr., Dallas, GA

WHEN: Bartow: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays*

             *not available December 24 or 25

             Floyd: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.*

           *not available December 4, 24 or 25

             Paulding: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays*

             *not available December 24

HOURS: Bartow: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

               Floyd: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

               Paulding: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.