HYANNIS – Cape Cod Healthcare has outlined the process behind drive-through testing for the novel coronavirus.
Drive-through COVID-19 testing recently began at Cape Cod Community College. Residents with a doctor’s order, including those from outside the Cape Cod Healthcare system, are eligible to receive tests with an appointment.
It is important for residents to understand that they should first call their primary care providers if they experience any symptoms associated with COVID-19, including a fever, cough, or trouble with breathing.
If residents do not have a primary care provider, they can visit triage tents at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital to be screened.
A series of questions will be asked regarding possible exposures, recent activities, and symptoms. If guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are met, a Cape Cod Healthcare associate will provide an appointment time through the phone.
Doctors will fax information and a prescription for testing to Cape Cod Healthcare if testing is determined to be the next course of action.
An appointment must be secured to get tested; anyone without an appointment will be turned away.
Those who are receiving drive-through tests should arrive at Cape Cod Community College’s main entrance at their appointment time.
Testing will be conducted in parking lots, where tents have been set up and people will be on hand to direct traffic. A photo ID should be provided at the appointment.
People must remain in their cars if they are receiving drive-through testing. A nasal swab will be given by a nurse in protective equipment.
Those who are tested will receive information on how results will be provided after the test, which lasts around five minutes.
COVID-19 tests from Cape Cod Healthcare do not require copays.
For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s website by clicking here.
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