Parker County will hold second wave of coronavirus testing as numbers remain low

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect a second day of testing on Friday.

Parker County’s second round of drive-thru testing for the coronavirus is set for Thursday and Friday starting at 10 a.m. at Heritage Park, site of the City of Weatherford’s First Monday Trade Days on Santa Fe Drive.

The first round of tests took place April 27 at Heritage Park. In all, 95 tests were given, resulting in three new cases.

The tests are free, but an appointment must be made by calling 512-883-2400 or visiting www.txcovidtest.org. Appointment scheduling begins Wednesday.

To be eligible, a person must have one or more symptoms. These include fever and/or chills, cough (dry or productive), fatigue, body aches/muscle or joint pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.

Those being tested remain in their cars during the procedure.

Parker County Relations Officer Staci Markwardt noted the testing is being done by the state and is focused on helping rural communities. She also said that while the testing is in Parker County, people from other counties can take part if they show symptoms.

“I am happy to see testing come to Parker County, however it appears the amount of testing will be very small compared to our population,” Precinct 4 County Commissioner Steve Dugan said. “Then again, our county has been blessed to have had a small amount or COVID-19 cases.”

As of Tuesday, Parker County public health officials noted 40 confirmed cases in the county with no deaths. Of those cases, 29 had recovered and 11 were still active.

The city of Weatherford reported the most cases with 15, including six still active, and nine have recovered.

This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 4:17 PM.