Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent’s has opened a drive-through testing site for COVID-19 in Jacksonville.
The site tested 57 patients on its first day, Senior Public Relations Specialist Kyle Sieg told WJCT News via email.
"Testing kits are still available to continue providing this service and we continue to monitor supplies," he wrote. "While hours may vary, testing is currently planned for Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m."
To qualify for testing at the site, patients must be pre-screened by a primary care physician. Those screenings can be done in person, by phone, or virtually using Ascension Online Care. Anyone who wants to visit a provider in person should call ahead of time.
The screening process involves answering a series of questions about symptoms, travel history, and any potential contact with COVID-19 patients. Patients who meet Ascension St. Vincent’s criteria, which is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will be given access to the drive-through testing site.
At the site, patients are required to stay in their vehicles. No patients with a physician or provider order will be denied a test and there is no upfront charge for the process. Insurance information will be collected on site for follow-up purposes.
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The test involves a nasal swab which will be sent to a state-approved lab for analysis. That process could take up to a week. Ascension St. Vincent’s will follow up with patients once they have the results.
The Florida Department of Health will be informed of any positive results.
“We continue to collaborate closely with local and state health officials to ensure that community members experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus, while limiting exposure to keep the health and safety of our patients, associates and visitors as top priority,” said Dr. Estrellita Redmon, president and chief medical officer of Ascension Medical Group in Florida.
Mayor Lenny Curry announced Monday that Jacksonville would be getting a drive-through coronavirus testing site at or near TIAA Bank Field by the end of the week.
Brendan Rivers can be reached at brivers@wjct.org, 904-358-6396 or on Twitter at @BrendanRivers.
