As we experience the 5th wave of the COVID-19 Virus variant known as Omicron in our community, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is once again proactively opening drive-thru RAPID TESTING at the NRMC Walk-in Clinic every Monday and Thursday afternoons from 1PM to 5PM.

FREE DRIVE THRU TESTING
NRMC Walk-in-Clinic
740 Keyser Avenue
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Mondays and Thursdays
1PM to 5PM

The Omicron variant was identified within the United States in late November. On December 1, 2021 the CDC Epidemiologists identified 0.4% of all new cases to be of the new Omicron variant. By December 11, 2021, 30% of all new cases were the new variant strain. The week of December 22, 2021, 90% of all new COVID-19 cases are of the Omicron Variant.

What sets Omicron apart: Highly Virulent, meaning it is easily transmittable. The vast majority of the cases are very mild or unremarkable with no loss of smell or taste. It is predicted between now and April 1, 2022, approximately 200 Million Americans will contract this COVID-19 Viral Strain with up to 90% being asymptomatic, meaning they have no idea that they contracted the virus.

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM GOING TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM TO GET TESTED. The Community should only present to the Emergency Room if they experience acute medical conditions such as Chest Pain, Shortness of breath, numbness or an injury that cannot be treated at their primary care providers office. Attached is the levels of care educational tool.

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