The Bastrop County Health Authority, in cooperation with the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management, will be conducting random testing at 14 locations in Bastrop County on Thursday, April 23, 2020 and Friday, April 24, 2020. Approximately 150 residents will be randomly asked to voluntarily participate, the county says.
“Random testing is done so there is a better understanding of the pattern and spread of COVID-19 in the County,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Bastrop County Health Authority. Dr. Walkes emphasized that Bastrop County is working to determine how widespread the virus is in an effort to mitigate and stop the spread.
According to health officials, the purpose of the study is to collect data from Bastrop County adults who have not been ill with, or tested positive for, COVID-19. The hope is that this may help further assist with efforts to minimize the spread of the virus and protect Bastrop County residents.
The county says the benefits of random testing include:
• Important tool in the fight to slow and reduce the spread and impact of the virus.
• Helps to allocate medical resources and staff more efficiently.
• Help officials with planning and guidelines for when businesses and other community activities are able to reopen.
