Williamson County offering free COVID-19 tests for asymptomatic residents

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas - Asymptomatic county residents are now being tested for free in Williamson County in an effort to track the potential spread of COVID-19. Before, the county only had tests for those showing symptoms.

Christian Burkhalter said the test feels just as uncomfortable as it looks. “It was interesting, painful, and an experience I don’t really want to talk about,” said Burkhalter who lives in Williamson County.

Staff at Family Emergency Room in Round Rock, the location for this site, said the swab goes back Into your nose about four inches.

Dr. Nathaniel Greenwood with Family Hospital Systems talked about the importance of testing asymptomatic people. “It helps us from an epidemiological standpoint to evaluate potential people who are sick. We don’t know a lot about the coronavirus but we are learning every day," he said. "What we do know is people can carry the virus for 14 days and not show any symptoms."

To get tested like Burkhalter, residents need to fill out a survey on the Williamson County website. Once finished, you’ll get a call if you are approved to get tested, then all you do is drive up.

“Somebody will quickly come out to meet them and when they confirm who they are they will then check their temperature and also do a heart rate check to make sure they are not acutely ill requiring an advanced level of care,” said Dr. Greenwood.

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In just a couple of minutes, the test is done, and the results don’t take too long. For Burkhalter, he’s expecting to hear something within 2 to 3 days.

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