The Monongalia County Health Department, in cooperation with the West Virginia National Guard, is providing two dates for area residents to access expanded COVID-19 testing. Members of minority communities, disproportionately affected by the virus to date, are especially encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Testing will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday (May 22) at the Big Lots parking lot in Westover, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (May 23) at the WVU Coliseum parking lot and at Mountainview Elementary. Children under 18 can be tested if they have a guardian present.
All three sites have bus transportation available. Bus passes may be obtained through the office of Del. Danielle Walker. For more information, contact her office at 304-702-0647 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
“It is crucially important for everyone to have equal access to the health resources being provided by the Monongalia County Health Department,” said Meshea L. Poore, WVU Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“I strongly encourage underserved communities to not only help spread the word that COVID-19 testing will be available this Friday and Saturday but that they themselves participate in the opportunity. We have a shared responsibility to not only look after our own health but the health of others. We are in this together so I graciously ask that you get tested!”
Key Points
1. Proof of residency is not required.
2. There is no charge for testing and there will be no insurance co-pay or impact on future benefits.
3. If you have insurance, it will assist county and state to make up some charges for these free tests.
4. Drive through and those on foot may be tested.
5. MCHD will be in communication with everyone who tests allowing them to know whether they are negative or positive for Covid-19.
6. To help us notify you of test results everyone presenting for testing will need to provide their name, date of birth, and a telephone number where test results may be reported.
7. In an effort to stop the spread of this viral disease which may cause illness, hospitalization, or even death, people who test positive will be asked about people in their family and social circle which is called Contact Tracing.
8. Safety of persons being tested and staff doing the specimen collection is of the utmost importance and social distancing and other safety measures will be observed.
9. Wearing masks or facial coverings are encouraged for everyone.
10. Social distancing will be observed.
Testing Process
1. We will have volunteer National Guard medical staff to help us on testing days.
2. There will be a registration table where labels will be made for the tube that contains the specimen and the outer bag.
3. Nasal swabs will be performed by MCHD staff working with West Virginia National Guard.
4. To obtain a good specimen for testing, the person performing the test places a small Q-tip like swab in the nose which is advanced back to the throat and then removed after several. There is a slight and temporary discomfort.
5. Specimens may take several days to run in the lab and those participating will be contacted with their results which is why having a means to reach people is important.
6. Any questions may be addressed to the health department 304-598-5100.
7. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) may be found at www.MonCHD.org
