From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adams County Health Department led the charge in the statewide fight against COVID-19.

But its latest efforts will limit statewide access and cater to Adams County residents.

Due to the recent increase in demand for COVID-19 testing, the Adams County Health Department will be limiting its COVID-19 testing to just Adams County residents.

"We're experiencing long lines. A lot of people need to get tested because of exposure or their experiencing symptoms," said Emily Andrews, the department's public information officer, she said the Adams County area is still witnessing high daily positive COVID-19 cases.

As of Monday morning, the health department reported ten new cases, 145 deaths, with 37 hospitalizations.

"Due to the recent mandates that people need to be tested unless they're vaccinated, so we want to be able to deal with that increase," said Andrews.

Wayne Zinnert is a Clark County resident and said testing is valuable, but he does not want to try and force anyone into being tested if they're uncomfortable, "some people think it's a good idea, and some people don't," he said that when he caught covid, it was a very serious moment in his life. "I was in the hospital.." What was that experience like? "It was a different experience. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I had diarrhea."

Zinnert said he's thankful that local areas have these options for residents.

The health department's testing site is open from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday to all Adams county residents in the health department's parking lot.