Crossing Rivers Health establishes COVID-19 Alternate Testing Site
Contact: Sasha Dull
Prairie du Chien, WI - As an alternative to testing provided at the Crossing Rivers Health Emergency Department and area clinics, Crossing Rivers Health has established a drive-up COVID-19 testing site. This alternate site is available for individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 and meet Crossing Rivers Health’s criteria for testing, and do not require emergency department or clinic services. Community members must first be screened either by their healthcare provider, or through the established COVID-19 Hotline 608.357.2819, available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Due to very limited resources for testing, Crossing Rivers Health has established COVID-19 testing criteria, in accordance with CDC guidelines, to determine who will most benefit from testing. Those who qualify will be instructed accordingly through the hotline. No tests will be administered at the alternate site without prior approval.
It is important for the public to understand that not everyone who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will qualify for testing. Otherwise healthy individuals with mild symptoms may not meet testing criteria and will be advised on social distancing and quarantine practices while they are having symptoms.
If an individual meets criteria for testing, they will be put in contact with a healthcare provider who will collect necessary information and an appointment will be scheduled at the alternate testing site. A Crossing Rivers Health Clinic provider, in CDC approved protective gear, will collect the testing sample while the patient remains in their vehicle. This will reduce the potential for COVID-19 cases entering area medical facilities and will also serve as a convenience for those who qualify.
Maria Mathis, Crossing Rivers Health Clinic Director, shared, “We hope the resources we’re putting into place, such as the hotline and the alternate testing site, provides reassurance to our community members during this time of uncertainty. We continue to do whatever is necessary, in collaboration with our public health departments and community partners at Mayo and Gundersen Clinics, to keep our communities safe.”
Tested individuals should expect test results within approximately 2-3 days. Once testing is complete, patients will be contacted via telephone by their county public health department with the results of the COVID-19 test, whether it’s positive or negative, and provided further instruction based upon their results.
Mathis added, “I want to be clear that while this testing site is a convenience and an added safety measure, community members should not just expect to drive up for a test. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and adherence to these processes and restrictions.”
Anyone who feels they may have Coronavirus symptoms - including fever, cough, and shortness of breath - or have questions about how best to seek care, may contact the Crossing Rivers Health COVID-19 Hotline, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 608.357.2819.
Additional COVID-19 resources can be found online at crossingrivers.org.
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