Neighborhood COVID testing begins

The Louisiana National Guard, in partnership with Louisiana Department of Health/ Office of Public Health and the Evangeline Parish Police Jury, began neighborhood based COVID-19 testing on Monday, June 15, at Chataignier Elementary. According to multiple reports, 19 people were tested on the first day. Testing will continue on the following dates- Friday, June 19, at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church; Monday, June 22, at Pine Prairie Civic Center; Friday, June 26, at Vidrine Community Clinic; Monday, June 29, at Chataignier Elementary; Friday, July 3, at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church; Monday, July 6, at Pine Prairie Civic Center; Thursday, July 9, at Basile City Park; and Friday, July 10, at Vidrine Community Clinic. The testing is open to any Louisiana resident 16-years-old or older with a valid state identification. Pictured is National Guard Specialist Kevin Porter (right) as he collects a sample from Susan Brown at Chataignier Elementary on Monday. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)