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A target date for the arrival of coronavirus test kits at Port Arthur and Jefferson County public health clinics is still not established.

Port Arthur Health Department Director Judith Smith is certain her clinic at 449 Austin Ave. will have the ability to test for coronavirus, or COVID-19, but is unsure exactly when the kits would arrive, she said.

In the meantime, her department has been spreading the message of preventing the spread of the novel virus, including hand washing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes and having those 65 and older avoid mass gatherings as much as possible.

“When you don’t have antivirals or vaccine, the only way you can stop the spread is prevent,” Smith said Wednesday.

On Monday, Jefferson County Public Health Director Dr. Cecil Walkes said he expected the tests to arrive by the end of this week. Walkes was away from his office Wednesday.

How will the tests work?

The COVID-19 tests would be done with a nasopharyngeal, or NP, swab, Smith said. The swab would then be put in a medium that’s sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory in Houston or Austin.

In the meantime, some private healthcare providers have the ability to test for COVID-19 and send their kits to private labs, Smith said. She suggested those with coronavirus concerns or who feel ill call their private provider, ask if the provider is conducting the test and inform them of symptoms.

She stresses not everyone can be tested, but patients can call the Port Arthur Health Department with any questions.

“If a doctor is doing an evaluation, they can make the decision on whether the person should be triaged to the emergency room or if that physician should do the test and have it sent to one of the private labs,” Smith said.

The three main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath, Smith said, citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

“If they are symptomatic, other tests will rule out flu or strep,” Smith said. “If there are no other known exposures, [doctors will] test for COVID-19.”

Drive-thru testing?

Smith confirmed that she has met with other emergency management coordinators about the possibility of establishing drive-thru testing, but if or how it will be established won’t be decided until the kits arrive.

“We’re talking with Jefferson County and Beaumont health departments on how to do this on one accord, not necessarily in one location,” Smith said.

To reach the Port Arthur Health Department, call 409-983-8826.