HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — One of the biggest issues so far in the coronavirus pandemic has been lack of testing.
As of March 23, officials say drive-thru testing is now available to the public at 21 locations across the state. Those seeking screenings at test sites must have a physician’s order and proper ID.
In a statement Thursday, the governor wrote, “In addition to the State Laboratory, there are now 15 alternative sites in Connecticut that are offering drive-through testing.”
Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford Springs has opened their drive-through site for COVID-19. The mobile test site will operate Monday through Friday, beginning at 9 am each day.
It is located at 201 Chestnut Hill Road, Stafford Springs, in front of the Community Medical Education Building on the Johnson Memorial Hospital campus.
Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford offers drive-through screening Monday through Saturday, beginning at 9 am each day.
They are located at 1000 Asylum Street in Hartford, directly in front of the Gengras Building on the Saint Francis Hospital campus.
The testing started on Monday at 9 a.m at Hartford Hospital and the service was a big success, officials say. Dozens of cars came through the drive-thru tents on its first day.
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People drove through the line with masks on, looking to be tested.
As far as what you can expect from the testing, you’re going to drive into several large white tents set up outside the hospital. Inside there is medical personnel in scrubs with face shields, gowns, and gloves.
Inside the tents, you roll down your window, the medical personnel will ask you a few questions, ask for your ID, your referral from a doctor, and then take a nose or mouth swab and send the sample off to the lab.
If anyone is interested in the testing, we ask that they contact their primary care doctor. We’ve been in close contact with the primary care doctors in the area; they will know how to connect with the testing.
Dr. Kenneth Robinson, Hartford Healthcare Chair of Emergency Medicine
Something to keep in mind: it can take four to five days to get the test back; they will try to get them back sooner, but because of the backlog it may take a couple of days.
Also, if you leave the house to come to get tested and you think you have the virus, wear a mask to the drive-thru testing if you can to minimize the spread of the virus.
Hartford Hospital‘s drive-thru testing closed at 5 p.m., but they reopened for the week.
One of those hospitals is Bridgeport Hospital (Yale-New Haven Health). They said in a statement Monday night they have opened a Specimen Collection Center for COVID-19.
Their requirements for entry are the same as Hartford; you must have a doctor’s referral and scheduled appointment.
The Center will be set utilizing a hospital’s campus facility located on Mill Hill Ave.
Bridgeport Hospital Operation Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Bridgeport Hospital traffic impact can be expected on Mill Hill Avenue with No Parking on the event side of the road from Barnum Avenue to Clermont Avenue. Homeowners can park at the Hospital owned Parking Lot at the corner of Central Avenue and Barnum Avenue or on the odd-side of the street.
Bridgeport Police Department will be present for traffic control.
St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport is also offering a Specimen Collection Center. The service is based on a physician’s order and a scheduled appointment. No walk-ins will be allowed. The Center will be set utilizing a hospital’s campus facility located on Fairview Avenue.
St. Vincent’s Operations Hours hours are 9a-4p 7 days a week.
Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury launched its drive-through test center. It is open Monday through Friday, beginning at 9 a.m. each day. The site is located at the lower level of the Visitor’s Garage on Cole Street
At Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, their coronavirus testing area is now up and running as well in their parking lot.
At Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, a drive-thru coronavirus testing area is up and running.
Coronavirus testing is also available at Bristol Hospital. Visitors will be restricted at Bristol Hospital to protect healthcare workers, patients, and visitors.
Again, patients must have a doctor’s order before showing up for testing at any of these stations or you will be turned away. The Specimen Collection Station will continue to operate rain or shine, 8 am – 4 pm, seven days a week .
Bristol Health’s COVID-19 info line: 860.261.6855
As of Thursday, March 19, Norwalk Hospital is now open for coronavirus drive-thru testing.
Hartford HealthCare in Torrington is offering drive-through testing for COVID-19 seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Griffin Health in Derby will provide drive-up testing at the hospital’s upper parking lot near the Community Garden. The collection site will operate 7 days a week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Patients with a valid order can schedule an appointment with Griffin Health at 203-437-6815.
As of Sunday, March 22, UConn Health is offering drive-thru testing services at its Farmington campus for COVID-19.
The site will be open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. You must have an appointment and doctor’s prescription.
Because of drive-thru regulations, your car must be lower than 8 feet high and your window must roll down completely.
