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New Birth to offer free COVID-19 testing for the uninsured Sunday

A lot of people have lost their insurance coverage because they lost their job.

If you're uninsured and have symptoms, there's a spot you can get tested for free.

Starting Sunday morning, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb County will offer drive-thru tests.

Channel 2′s Audrey Washington spoke to church officials about the testing.

If you receive Medicare or Medicaid, or you just don't have insurance, you can get tested for free.

"This is a wake up call that we have to be more mindful of our health, and it is also a responsibility for the black church that we can not save souls if we leave bodies," Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant said.

Have questions about the spread of coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.

Bryant believes Sunday will be a breakthrough of sorts.

“We were able to partner and able to secure 10,000 free COVID 19 tests," Bryant said. "So our sanctuary is closed but our parking lot will be open, so we’ll be doing mobile testing. People will be tested in their cars.”

The testing starts at 11 a.m. and will continue until 3 p.m.

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, in Georgia, African Americans make up 80% of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Bryant said he just knew he needed to do something to help more people get tested, so New Birth partnered with two black-owned laboratories to offer the tests.

“We have 100 health providers who are going to volunteer their time, so depending on how many people are in the cars, we don’t know how long the process will be," Bryant said. "We just ask that you bring ID and bring patience.”

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