Drive-Thru Virus Tests in Campbell Open to Public
CAMPBELL, Ohio – A steady stream of cars flowed into Roosevelt Park Tuesday, the first day of public drive-thru testing for COVID-19.
A dozen cars were in line at the park’s Community Center when testing began at 9 a.m.
Fred Weaver of Poland was among the group. He had not been feeling well and so he registered to get tested.
“I left work early [last week] with a fever of 101,” Weaver said. The fever dragged on through the weekend, he said, and then other symptoms developed.
“I now have a dry cough and trouble breathing,” he said. “It could just be my allergies. But I’m at the age where it’s better to be safe than sorry. At work, they told me, ‘You better get tested.’ ”
In most of the cars, somber drivers wearing face masks waited their turn as they sat in their idling vehicles. They kept their windows up, as instructed by police.
A small crew of medics in full protective gear conducted the tests, which were done by nasal swab.
It was the second straight day of testing at the park, with two more to follow. On Monday, the site tested about 100 first responders and health-care workers.
Cornerstone CM, a Poland-based distributor of upper respiratory testing processed through Ten Healthcare of St. Louis, is conducting the drive-thru testing in partnership with QuickMed Urgent Care of Youngstown. Test results are known in 24 to 48 hours.
Lena Esmail, CEO of QuickMed, was unable to give a final tally of those tested on Tuesday, but well over 100 were expected.
Police are directing cars into the park from the Sycamore Street entrance. At the parking lot of the park’s Community Center, QuickMed workers verify each patient’s identity and other documentation, and conduct the tests. The process takes five to 10 minutes per patient.
Drive-thru testing for the general public will continue at the park April 8 and 9, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days. Those who want to be tested must first register at QuickMed-UC.com or by calling 724 734 5235.
A doctor will follow up with each applicant with a teleconference screening. If the patient meets the criteria, he will be registered for testing.
Pictured: A Quick Med Urgent Care worker collects a test at the clinic’s drive-thru test site in Campbell.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
