Local drive-by coronavirus tests run out
Barbara S. Miller/Observer-Reporter
A sign on the door at 95 Leonard Ave. in Washington indicates the Central Outreach Wellness Center ran out of tests for COVID-19 Monday morning.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
North Shore-based Central Outreach Wellness Center ran out of tests for COVID-19 Monday morning at its Washington and Pittsburgh locations.
A spokesman in Pittsburgh taking calls from the media said the center hoped to have more tests for the new coronavirus by mid-afternoon. Posted hours were 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but at 95 Leonard Avenue in Washington, a sign at the exterior read, “We are not testing COVID-19 patients; do not enter the building.”
Inside, a sign on the Central Outreach Wellness Center, read, “If you are here for Covid-19 testing, please call before entering (this) office.”
Central Outreach Wellness Center announced via Facebook on Sunday that it was planning to offer testing with a limited number of test kits.
Testing was to be offered based on answers to screening questions. The post noted only those with symptoms associated with the virus, such as fever and dry cough, would be considered for testing.
Photo identification and an insurance card are required, but the release indicated no one would be turned away for inability to pay.
The testing was to be made available through a partnership with Quest Diagnostics.
In a related matter, Allegheny Health Network confirmed Sunday that Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills is treating an adult patient with confirmed coronavirus COVID-19. The patient was from Clairton.
According to the network, caregivers at Jefferson are following comprehensive safety protocols established by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in caring for the patient and in taking every step necessary to prevent illness exposure to others, including patients, visitors and other caregivers. Those precautions have been followed though every step of the patient’s care in the hospital.
A limited number of clinical staff members are caring for the patient, and they are wearing advanced protective equipment at all times. The hospital is limiting visitation with the patient, and all visitors are required to follow CDC-recommended precautions, including wearing protective face masks and gowns, and washing hands before and after the visitation.
The Allegheny County Health Department is taking the lead in assessing whom the patient may have come in contact with in the community.
No further information was provided Sunday, but on Monday, the total of Allegheny County residents who had tested positive increased to six.
The count for Washington County, on the state Department of Health website at mid-day, remained at one.