SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — With just a few days until Thanksgiving, many are lining up to get COVID-19 tests hoping they will be safe to visit with friends and family, but doctors are warning it’s not a free pass to ignore other precautions.
Channel 2′s Mike Petchenik found a long line of people waiting for tests at a Sandy Springs drive-up testing site.
“We want to go visit family this weekend so we’re trying to do the right thing,” said Jaime Graham. “It’s important. Obviously if we get a positive test we’re not going to go.”
Graham said seeing family is important, but keeping everyone safe is more so.
“We just want to be responsible but also my kids haven’t seen their grandpa in a long time and we want to see them,” she said.
Cindy Salzman told Petchenik she’s having 9 family members over for dinner, including out of town guests. She said everyone is getting a test before coming to town.
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“The test might have been good for last week when I took it, but as I walk through Costco today, even though I have a mask on and I sanitize my hands, how do I know I didn’t catch it in there again to pass it on,” she said.
Family medicine practitioner Dr. Barbara Joy Jones told Petchenik getting a test is a good thing, but cautions it shouldn’t give you a false sense of security.
“I think it is a good idea, knowing your status,” she said. “It is a snapshot in time, and you get that particular testing at that point in time. So whatever you’re doing between the testing time and whenever you get to your relatives, there’s still a chance to get exposed to the virus, unless you are literally quarantined by yourself in a room for the next time period until you get there.”
That’s why Dr. Jones says if you are still planning to see people outside of your immediate family, it’s important to wear a mask, socially distance, wash your hands, and if you are eating together, eat outside if possible.
“The least amount of people the better and keep those people that are most at risk, are elderly, keep them isolated most of the time,” she said.
Cox Media Group
