Drive-through COVID-19 testing starts Wednesday at CRHS
By DEUCE NIVEN
tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com
A drive-through option for COVID-19 testing launches Wednesday at Columbus Regional Healthcare in Whiteville.
Testing will be by appointment only, “part of a larger COVID-19 testing strategy to help identify and treat those with the virus,” a CRHS news release said Tuesday.
Testing will take place in the main circle entrance to the hospital between 7 a.m. and noon, and from 5 to 9 p.m., weekdays.
“Anyone interested in getting an appointment should call the Columbus Regional COVID-19 testing hotline, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 910-642-1570,” the news release said. “The COVID-19 test is covered by insurance and self-pay options are available.
“Appointments will be given to those patients who meet criteria established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. If an appointment is needed, the qualified individual will be registered over the phone and given an appointment time.
“At the designated time, the individual will arrive, drive through the circle entrance, be tested and sent home. Once the test has been completed, Columbus Regional staff will contact the individual with their tests results as soon as they are available.”
CRHS has prepared a “comprehensive action plan” and is ready to “identify COVID-19 positive patients and treat them, while keeping all patients and teammates safe and protected,” the news release said. “CRHS is following the latest national and local standards and protocols.
“Safety measures that are in place include a health screening of anyone going into a CRHS facility, extensive cleaning and disinfecting protocols throughout the system, appropriate personal protective equipment is available, and CRHS teammates are following best practices to keep everyone safe.
“While you are encouraged to continue staying home and practicing good social distancing, you can be confident that CRHS is providing the highest standards of care if you need it.
For updates in this “rapidly developing situation,” CRHS recommends monitoring its website here and its Facebook page here for the most recent updates.
