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Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Health / News People Without Virus Symptoms Can Get Tested at Pop-Up Sites
Posted
By Derek Brouwer
on Wed, May 13, 2020 at 5:19 PM
Vermonters who feel fine but worry about recent exposure to coronavirus can get tested at a series of "pop-up" events scheduled over the next two weeks.
The Vermont Department of Health is hosting daylong testing clinics for asymptomatic residents in 11 cities and towns between May 14 and May 23.
In an announcement Wednesday, the department encouraged health care workers, first responders, childcare providers and people returning to Vermont to sign up for the events, but anyone who doesn't have flu-like symptoms can make an online appointment.
No doctor's referral is necessary, but appointments are required. Anyone with symptoms should contact their health care provider for a testing referral, according to the Health Department.
Until now, most asymptomatic residents could not get tested for COVID-19, but the clinics are part of Gov. Phil Scott's plan to expand testing as one way to suppress future outbreaks. Their goal is to eventually test 1,000 people per day.
More than 400 tests were conducted at recent pop-up clinics for essential workers in Bennington and Colchester, according to the Bennington Banner and WCAX.
"We are expanding our testing capability quite aggressively in this state," Human Services Secretary Mike Smith told reporters Wednesday. "The objective is that everybody who wants a test, will get a test."
Thursday's clinic at Brattleboro Union High School already has a wait list, according to the state registration portal.
The Vermont Department of Health is hosting daylong testing clinics for asymptomatic residents in 11 cities and towns between May 14 and May 23.
In an announcement Wednesday, the department encouraged health care workers, first responders, childcare providers and people returning to Vermont to sign up for the events, but anyone who doesn't have flu-like symptoms can make an online appointment.
No doctor's referral is necessary, but appointments are required. Anyone with symptoms should contact their health care provider for a testing referral, according to the Health Department.
Until now, most asymptomatic residents could not get tested for COVID-19, but the clinics are part of Gov. Phil Scott's plan to expand testing as one way to suppress future outbreaks. Their goal is to eventually test 1,000 people per day.
More than 400 tests were conducted at recent pop-up clinics for essential workers in Bennington and Colchester, according to the Bennington Banner and WCAX.
"We are expanding our testing capability quite aggressively in this state," Human Services Secretary Mike Smith told reporters Wednesday. "The objective is that everybody who wants a test, will get a test."
Thursday's clinic at Brattleboro Union High School already has a wait list, according to the state registration portal.
Future clinics include:
Saturday, May 16- White River Junction: Upper Valley Aquatic Center, 100 Arboretum Lane
- Colchester: Vermont Public Health Laboratory, 359 South Park Drive
- Rutland: Rutland High School, 22 Stratton Road
- Barre: Barre Memorial Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill
- Middlebury: American Legion Post 27-49, 49 Wilson Road
- St. Albans: Collins Perley Sports Complex, 890 Fairfax Road
- Newport: North Country Union High School, 209 Veterans Avenue
- Springfield: Springfield High School, 303 South Street
- Morristown: Capstone Community Action, 250 Industrial Park
- Lyndonville: Lyndon Town School, 2591 Lily Pond Road
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About The Author
Derek Brouwer
Bio:
Derek Brouwer is a news reporter at Seven Days, focusing on law enforcement and courts. He previously worked at the Missoula Independent, a Montana alt-weekly.
Derek Brouwer is a news reporter at Seven Days, focusing on law enforcement and courts. He previously worked at the Missoula Independent, a Montana alt-weekly.
