Drive-Thru COVID-19 testing more than triples number of tests performed each day over the past week
From an average of about 200 per day, to about 740 a day in Lincoln
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- Car after car, lined up in the parking lot of the Gateway mall in Lincoln, with people waiting to get tested for COVID-19 at the Nomi Health drive-thru site. Dr. June Steely says the number of daily tests has gone from an average of about 200 a day to 740 a day.
“The fact that Omicron is more contagious than the rest of the variants means that we are seeing higher positivity rates and more testing,” Dr. June Steely Nomi Health.
At this time she said there is no limit to the number of patients getting tested at their site during business hours.
“We have ample supplies. It really helps if you register ahead of time, it makes the process faster for you and everyone behind you. We do take drive-ups, but we do prefer that people register ahead of time,” said Dr. Steely.
Some sites require their patients to have symptoms in order to get a test. If you do have symptoms, all three Bryan health urgent cares take walk-ins. If you don’t have symptoms, there are a few options for you, but some do require an out-of-pocket cost.
“We will test anyone. If they do not have insurance, we will not bill them. If they do have insurance, we will bill their insurance but we will not balance bill the patient. So this is no cost to the patient,” said Dr. Steely.
The CDC on Monday, announcing it is changing the recommended quarantine and isolation requirements from 10 days to just 5. This means it is extra important to get tested as soon as you feel symptoms.
“I would certainly say, if you develop any symptoms you should get tested as soon as you can. If you’re going to be visiting someone who is vulnerable who would be more likely to have a severe case, it’s a good idea to get tested beforehand regardless of symptoms,” said Dr. Steely.
Getting tested can help stop the spread, as some symptoms may be overlooked as something less, or non-contagious.
“Nomi testing site is a drive up, and it is outside the mall, not inside the mall,” said Dr. Steely.
