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Free COVID testing at fairgrounds

June 30th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

The Allegany County Health Department has announced two drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinics to be held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.  The clinics are slated for Thursday, July 9 from 9 AM to 3 PM and Sunday, July 12 from 1 PM to 6 PM. 

The drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinics are free and open to the public.  Participants are asked to bring a driver’s license or other ID that shows their name, address, and date of birth.  Participants do not need an appointment,
a doctor’s order, or an insurance card. 

The drive-thru model is an easy way for individuals to get a COVID-19 test with minimal contact.  When a vehicle drives in, all patients will remain in the vehicle and a nurse will swab each patient’s throat.  All patients must be in a vehicle.  Patients cannot walk into the clinic site. 

Nurses will use throat swabs, which some patients find more comfortable than nasopharyngeal swabs.  After the nurse collects the specimen, it will be sent to the Maryland Public Health Laboratory in Baltimore.  A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test will be used to detect COVID-19 infection.  Antibody testing will not be offered at the drive-thru testing events. 

Results of the COVID-19 test can be expected in 2-4 days.  Patients who test positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by the Health Department.  Patients who test negative will not be contacted, but can call the Health Department to confirm their negative result. 

The drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinics will be held rain or shine.  Testing will be conducted under the Ag Expo Pavilion at the Allegany County Fairgrounds which is sheltered from the rain. 

“The Health Department is excited to have the opportunity to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing that is free and open to the public.  We encourage individuals to come out and get tested,” said Jenelle Mayer, Health Officer.   

The Health Department would like to thank UPMC Western Maryland, State Highway Administration, Allegany County Fire Police, Allegany County Department of Public Works and the Allegany County Fairgrounds for their logistical support and participation in the drive-thru clinics.

For more information, please call the Allegany County Health Department at 301-759-5000.

5 Responses to “Free COVID testing at fairgrounds”

  1. June 30, 2020 at 4:44 pm, Jane said:

    Please retype this. Beginning of every line is cut off.

    Reply

    • June 30, 2020 at 7:51 pm, Jay said:

      Fantastic website. Mistakes and faulty formatting on a daily basis. Embarrassing. Then again, it is CBC.

      Reply

      • July 01, 2020 at 11:04 am, Dan said:

        > Yet you still click on it.

        Reply

        • July 01, 2020 at 11:18 am, Jay said:

          How would I know if there are errors unless I clicked on it?

          Reply

  2. June 30, 2020 at 10:27 pm, jim said:

    ^correction WCBC

    Reply

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