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Legacy Community Health opens 3 free coronavirus testing sites in Houston

Tests are only for people who have been exposed to coronavirus and/or are showing symptoms, including fever, cough and trouble breathing.

HOUSTON — Houstonians now have three more options for free coronavirus screening and testing.

Legacy Community Health, a non-profit, opened three locations on Wednesday. 

They are now waiving fees for everyone.

Legacy has tents outside the following locations for the screening: 

  • Legacy Fifth Ward, 3811 Lyons Ave.
  • Legacy Montrose, 1415 California St.
  • Legacy Southwest, 6441 High Star Dr

RELATED: Free coronavirus testing begins Thursday in Houston, congresswoman says

Legacy asks that you please call (832) 548-5226 first with any questions before arriving.

The city of Houston and Harris County Public Health are working to set up COVID-19 testing sites but no details have been released.

RELATED: Live COVID-19 updates: First confirmed coronavirus death reported in Collin County

RELATED: Harris County Health: COVID-19 testing sites still being worked out

Coronavirus symptoms 

The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.

But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk but some patients in their 20s and 30s have become critically ill.

The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.

Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...

  • The air by coughing or sneezing
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

Help stop the spread of coronavirus

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Eat and sleep separately from your family members
  • Use different utensils and dishes
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
  • If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.

Lower your risk

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.

Get complete coverage of the coronavirus by texting 'FACTS' to 713-526-1111.




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