PORT ARTHUR, Texas — If you live in Jefferson County, you have the chance to get tested for the coronavirus at no cost to you.
The state set up a location at the Bob Bowers Civic Center in Port Arthur for those looking to get tested.
Mayor Thurman Bartie is urging people from all over Jefferson County to take advantage of the free COVID-19 testing being offered.
Bartie said he's been committed to keep the number of COVID-19 cases in Port Arthur down since the start of the pandemic.
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Mayor Bartie said it's important to get tested and know your status before you are around others for the holidays.
"Some individuals don't want to wear a mask. Some individuals, for whatever reason, are still oblivious to the fact that this is a reality. COVID is a killer," Bartie said.
The mayor said this week will be telling, to see how Port Arthur fared over Thanksgiving.
Bartie said it's important to offer free COVID-19 testing because some people don't have the funds to pay to get tested.
The free testing will continue from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. through Friday, and preregistration is required.
The Bob Bowers Civic Center is located at 3401 Cultural Center Drive in Port Arthur.
Remus Villarosa told 12News he was around a friend who tested positive for the coronavirus on Saturday. He and his wife decided to get tested on Monday.
"I'm not feeling anything. My wife's not feeling anything, but she works in a clinic," Villarosa said. "A pediatric clinic, so she has to have herself checked."
Robert Goffney said he's been tested for the coronavirus more than once in the last six months. He isn't taking the virus lightly.
"It's a serious thing. Nothing to be played with, and I advise everybody to come and get tested," Goffney said.
Goffney was among those tested on Monday. He is making sure to follow the advice of experts and local leaders when it comes to staying safe.
"I just want to be safe and do what I'm told to do," Goffney said.