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Yesterday, Allegheny County officials opened a new drive-up COVID testing site in McKeesport that is free to the public. Private and nonprofit health-care facilities have been undertaking most of the testing since the coronavirus pandemic started, but now the county has its own drive-up facility.
Testing is free, but appointments are required. No insurance is necessary. Due to the limited test kits available, only 250 appointments are open each day, according to a press release. Allegheny County residents are prioritized in receiving tests.
Individuals eligible for testing at the McKeesport site must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have symptoms of COVID-19
- Have been in contact with someone that has COVID-19
- Work in a nursing home or long-term care facility
- Are a critical infrastructure worker, health care worker, or first responder
- Are a high-risk patient and have recently attended a gathering of 10 or more people
- Live in a shelter or single room occupancy.
Any person age 3 or older can be tested provided that they meet the criteria. Children between the age of 3 and 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to be tested.
The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can register online (an email address is required) or call 412-209-2262. Appointments made by phone can be scheduled the next day, and calls are taken from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
More information can be found at Allegheny County’s website.
This article appears in Sep 16-22, 2020.
