Monongalia County Health Department and the West Virginia National Guard will continue to test individuals today, in accordance with Gov. Jim Justice’s order to provide free COVID-19 testing to vulnerable populations in certain counties.
Testing kicked off Friday in the Big Lots parking lot in Westover, where 386 people were tested. Today, testing is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum parking lot and at Mountainview Elementary. Bus transportation is available.
Testing accommodates pedestrians as well as individuals in their vehicles. Tests will be conducted on a first come, first served basis.
In order to help notify individuals of results, all participants will need to provide name, date of birth and a telephone number where test results may be reported. Monongalia County Health Department staff will be in contact with everyone who tests, letting them know if their results are positive or negative.
Anyone who arrives for testing at any of the sites should wear a mask or face covering. Once individuals are tested, they are asked to go home and remain there until they learn their results. This is the standard protocol for anyone tested.
The West Virginia National Guard medical staff assists MCHD staff with nasal swabbing.
To obtain a good specimen for testing, the person performing the test places a small, flexible Q-tip-like swab in the nose, which is advanced to the back of the throat and then removed after several seconds. There is slight and temporary discomfort. Results may take several days.
Any questions may be addressed to Monongalia County Health Department at 304-598-5100.
Frequently asked questions may be found on the health department’s website, monchd.org/covid-19.html.
For those who do have health insurance, there will be no charge or co-pay for anyone. However, MCHD would like to obtain some administration fees from the insurance company to help cover supplies and employee time, so insurance information is requested.
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