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According to a press release from East Alabama Medical Center, the call volume for the COVID-19 hotline has seen a decrease in the number of calls this week, prompting a change in the hotline’s hours moving forward.

Starting Saturday, the 528-SICK call center will begin a new set of hours Saturday. The new hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. CDT and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“This week, the call volume dropped to about 400 a day and weekend call volumes are usually half of weekday call volume,” the press release said.

In addition to the call volumes decreasing, EAMC reports the number of hospitalizations have also decreased. This, according to the press release, is also in line with a reduced number of people needing to test for COVID-19.

According to the press release, the testing sites at HealthPlus in Auburn and the one at EAMC-Lanier will be closed this weekend, reopening on Monday, April 20.

People who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should call 334-528-SICK during the hours listed above to be screened.  After hours, individuals should visit the nearest emergency department to be screened for the virus, and tested, if certain criteria are met.