Many people apparently think that it's normal to go to the ER for COVID testing

In places with above average poverty, like Baldwin County, emergency rooms become clinics for an inordinate number of people.

Sprained ankle? Go to the emergency room. Runny nose? Hit up the ER.

Now, apparently, many people think that it's normal to visit the ER to be tested for COVID-19, or at least enough people that the Georgia Department of Health issued a press release titled "DPH URGES GEORGIANS NOT TO GO TO HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS FOR COVID TESTING." According to the release: 

To help keep hospital emergency departments open to treat medical emergencies, individuals seeking COVID testing should not go to hospital emergency departments, unless they are experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms requiring urgent medical attention. Asymptomatic individuals or individuals with mild symptoms should find testing sites other than hospital emergency departments.

Added the press release: 

COVID vaccination is available statewide and is our best tool for ending this pandemic and reducing the overwhelming strain on the healthcare system and healthcare providers. To find a COVID vaccination location, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine. Georgians aged 5 and older are eligible for vaccination. Georgians 16 and older are eligible for boosters six months after completing their primary vaccine series of either Moderna or Pfizer (only Pfizer is authorized for booster doses in 16- and 17- year-olds) and two months after their J&J vaccine.

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