Indiana Gov. Holcomb announced Tuesday, April 28th that OptumServe Health Services will open 20 COVID-19 sites across the state to begin large-scale testing for Hoosiers in the next week. In the next seven days, 20 testing sites will open in Indiana National Guard armories, and an additional 30 testing sites will open in the next 14 days.
He says 100,000 Hoosiers are expected to be tested in the first 30 days. Gov. Holcomb says testing is for any symptomatic Hoosier, close contacts of positive cases, or residents of congregate living settings.
Anyone with symptoms or who has been in contact with an infected person will be able to make an appointment for free testing without a doctor’s note, said Dr. Lindsay Weaver, chief medical officer of the Indiana State Department of Health.
Once all the sites are up and running, the state will have the ability to perform up to 30,000 additional tests a week for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
“Launching this partnership with Optum further expands Indiana’s COVID-19 testing capacity,” said Gov. Holcomb. “These free tests will be available in locations across the state, ensuring even more Hoosiers who have symptoms or an affected family member can get tested for coronavirus.”
Testing will be by appointment only. Registration will open 48 hours before testing sites open. To sign up for an appointment, Hoosiers will register through the Optum portal that will launch soon and self-report symptoms using an online screening tool. A hotline phone number will be added soon.
Hoosiers will receive results within 48 hours on average. Results will be provided to the patient via a phone call if the test is positive or via an email or text if the test is negative.
Hoosiers will not be charged for testing and insurance is not required. If you have private health insurance, please bring that information with you.
“We have been working diligently to increase access to testing throughout Indiana with drive-thru clinics and strike teams,” said Dr. Box. “By joining forces with Optum, we will ensure that testing for COVID-19 is available to Hoosiers who need it most.”
OptumServe will collect the swabs specimens, and manage the testing and reporting of data. OptumServe is providing its own supplies, PPE, testing kits, staffing and lab – increasing Indiana’s overall testing capacity. The Indiana State Department of Health will continue to target focused testing and high risk populations in its testing.
Of the 20 Sites Opening next week 2 are in Northwest Indiana:
• LaPorte, 2391 W. State Road 2; La Porte, Indiana 46350, just North of Fairgrounds.
• Valparaiso National Guard Armory, 1502 Linwood Ave (Off Highway 30 by the University) was moved to Portage Indiana on July 31st.
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
