MANSFIELD – One of Mansfield’s four CVS Health locations is now offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing, according to the company’s website.
The CVS Health at 1049 W. Fourth St. was one of nine Ohio locations to begin offering drive-thru testing on Friday, according to WOIO in Cleveland. There are currently 43 CVS locations offering drive-thru testing in Ohio, with the closest to Mansfield being in Marion. There are 1,196 CVS locations offering testing nationwide.
Those interested in receiving a test must first register online, where patients will complete a preliminary health screening and receive an appointment time. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance and identification information with them, as well as their appointment confirmation.
“Patients should not have any out-of-pocket costs, but you should check with your health plan to confirm before scheduling a test,” the CVS website states. “If you do not have insurance, bring your Social Security number (card not needed), driver’s license or state ID.”
Due to the nationwide shortage in testing supplies, CVS is following guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine who receives a test. CVS is conducting diagnostic testing, which will only determine active infections, unlike the antibody test.
Patients will be instructed to stay in their vehicle during the testing process. They will be handed a swab and asked to collect a sample of their own nasal secretions.
“This is done by inserting the swab into your nostril approximately one inch into the nasal passage (midway) with the most visible drainage or the nostril that is most congested if drainage is not present,” CVS stated. “The swab is rotated several times, removed gently and this process is repeated on the other side.”
Patients will then leave their sample with CVS, which will send it to a lab for testing. Test results are expected to return in 2-4 days, CVS stated.
As of Monday, Richland County had 252 COVID-19 cases (242 confirmed and 10 probable), according to Richland Public Health. The county has seen 37 hospitalizations and four deaths as a result of the pandemic.
