Coronavirus: First drive-through testing site opens in Darke County

Darke County residents now have access to its first drive-through coronavirus testing location.

Wayne HealthCare opened the testing site in partnership with Family Health near the main entrance of the hospital in Greenville.

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Darke County is one of two counties in the region to experience a cluster of cases, with the majority of the county’s 10 deaths and 50 COVID-19 cases associated with Greenville Health and Rehabilitation.

“Testing for COVID-19 is an important way to slow the spread of the virus in our community,” said Kim Freeman, vice president of patient care services at Wayne HealthCare. “Before opening this drive-thru testing site, there were no drive-thru options in Darke County; patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms and in possession of a provider’s order had to drive at least 30 minutes, which is inconvenient, especially when you’re not feeling well.”

The testing site is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Appointments are not necessary, but you must have a written or electronic order from a healthcare provider to be tested.

The test consists of a nasal swab and you can remain in your vehicle while being tested.

“By doing the testing outdoors, we’re helping to prevent the spread of infection to provider’s offices, as well as our hospital,” said Freeman.

Results take about two to three days to process.

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“By partnering with Wayne HealthCare, we’re able to able to send patients who need to be tested to a drive-thru location in our community said Dr. Rick Bowlin of Family Health. “Having a testing site here is an important resource, which we believe will only help to flatten the curve, especially when coupled with social distancing, frequent hand washing and staying at home when possible.”

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