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If you're in need of a COVID-19 test, you can register for a free one at the Killeen Special Events Center today and tomorrow.

Killeen's Deputy Fire Chief, Gary Young, emailed us this morning with information about the test center at 3301 WS Young Drive. It will be open from 9AM to 7PM January 4 and 5.

Organizers say you'll need to preregister online here. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call 1-844-778-2455.

If you're worried you may have contracted the virus, here are the symptoms the Texas Division of Emergency Management says you should be on the lookout for:

Fever and/or chills

Cough (dry or productive)

Fatigue

Body aches

Muscle or joint pain

Shortness of breath

Sore throat

Headaches

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Nasal congestion

Loss of taste and/or smell

Once you're preregistered, be sure to wear a mask when you visit the testing site until they ask you to lift or remove it, and be sure to put it back on when you leave. If you do have COVID-19, the mask could help prevent you spreading it to others you may come in contact with.

Test results should take 48 to 96 hours.

Of course, if you're experiencing extreme symptoms, you should call 9-1-1 or get to a hospital immediately.

As of December 31, 2020, Bell County had 2,296 known active cases of COVID-19, according to the Bell County Public Health District's dashboard. The COVID-19 threat level in Bell County stands at Level 1: Uncontrolled Community Transmission.

Public health officials had warned of the possibility of increased transmission of the virus during the holidays as people gathered to celebrate.

According to the Associated Press, Texas hit a new record high for COVID-19 hospitalizations Sunday, with health officials reporting 12,563 COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals that day. It was an increase of over 240 since Saturday.

There are still simple things you and I can do to help slow the spread of the virus, including wearing a mask around others to reduce the number of aerosol droplets you broadcast, staying 6 feet (or two arm lengths) away from people not part of your household, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces when possible. Washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer is always a good idea as well.

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