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Paris to resume drive‑through antibody testing, city sets $25 charge
Summary
The council approved restarting drive‑through antibody testing using existing kits, starting next week if demand warrants, and set a nominal $25 fee while noting waivers may be considered for those in financial need.
The Paris City Council voted May 11 to resume drive‑through antibody testing using kits the city has on hand and agreed to charge a nominal fee of $25 to cover costs, with the possibility of waivers in individual cases.
The chair explained the difference between PCR diagnostic testing and antibody testing, saying the nasal‑swab PCR tests conducted at the fire station detect active infection, while antibody tests indicate whether a person has previously had the virus and developed an immune response. "The antibodies test to see whether you've had it in the past and whether your body has developed an immune reaction to it," the chair said.
City staff reported the city has a stock of antibody kits (about 1,500) and proposed opening the drive‑through testing next week on Tuesday, with additional days if demand requires it. The city had previously received a state mobile unit and roughly 400 PCR tests for diagnostic screening of symptomatic persons; staff said those were separate from the antibody kits the city is offering now.
Council members agreed a $25 charge is reasonable to recover costs, noting outpatient ER tests can cost $170–$180; the council approved resuming testing and the $25 fee by motion.
