Local 2366 of the National Border Patrol Council recently contacted STAT Specialty Hospital in Del Rio, Texas, and asked if they would be able to provide COVID-19 testing to Del Rio Sector employees and law enforcement officers with other agencies.
Beginning May 20, 2020, employees can call STAT Specialty Hospital at 830-498-3000 to schedule an appointment from 8 am to 5 pm, during which they will be tested for both the active virus and the antibodies, involving a nasal swab and a blood draw.. The combination of the two tests will give employees the most complete picture of whether they are currently infected or if they were previously infected.
Since what we know about COVID-19 is changing daily, everyone should continue to practice social distancing. A positive antibody test does not necessarily mean you cannot be infected again. However, it might indicate your likelihood of being infected again, or perhaps that a future infection might not be as severe as it would be if you do not have the antibodies. No matter the result, everyone should still follow CDC guidelines to protect yourself and your families.
How do I get tested?
To be tested, call STAT Specialty Hospital in Del Rio and tell them you are an employee of the U.S. Border Patrol in Del Rio Sector, and you would like to be tested. Testing will take place from 8 am to 5 pm, but arrangements can be made in advance for appointments outside of those hours.
This test is only for those who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. If you are symptomatic, call your primary care physician.
You will need to bring identification with you showing that you are an employee, along with your insurance card and driver’s license.
The test will be billed to your insurance company, but you will not pay a copay or incur any other expense. The test should take approximately 15 minutes, and you will be notified of the results generally within a few days, although that timeline could change.
For those employees who do not live or work near the city of Del Rio, Local 2366 continues to search for resources that might be closer to you and we will provide you with more information as we receive it. We are sincerely appreciative of STAT Specialty Hospital in Del Rio for providing this service to all U.S. Border Patrol employees in the Del Rio Sector.