COVID-19

Drive-thru tests today through Monday in Castanea Township

LOCK HAVEN -- Dozens of vehicles were already lined up when the county's "drive-thru" COVID-19 testing site opened at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Castanea Township Picnic Grounds.

"I've been here since 6 a.m. I've got to get a test today. I've got to get back to work," the gentleman driving the first vehicle in line said, popping his head up from the reclining seat in his pickup truck and opening the window.

"I don't think I have it, but they won't let me go back to work until I get a negative test. I went up to State College for a test on Wednesday and waited three hours, but they ran out of tests. So I came real early today… I've just been resting as I wait," he said.

Behind his truck, the line of vehicles continued to grow and when the testing site opened at 9 a.m. vehicles were lined up almost to Water Street.

The line moved quickly and steadily and by noon, about 150 tests had been administered to occupants in their vehicles, according to Clinton County Director of Emergency Services Andrew Kremser.

It was the first day of the testing site and by all accounts everything was moving very smoothly.

"Yes, it's going very well," said Kremser, who was manning the process at the site and very pleased with the process.

He said 450 tests are available each day and the testing will continue through Monday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

"It's free and you don't have to be a Clinton County resident to get the test," Kremser said, urging everyone to take advantage of this opportunity.

The site was opened through efforts by the Clinton County Community Emergency Coalition and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

When vehicles entered the Castanea Township property they were divided into two lines as they moved near the site where the tests were being given. Along the way, workers stopped at each vehicle and filled out paperwork needed for the test. The paperwork was then given to medical personnel performing the tests.

It was all very quick, as occupants of the vehicles pulled down their masks and medical personnel twirled a 6-inch long cotton swab (like a Q-tip) into the cavity between the nose and mouth to get a fluid sample, which when tested will result in a positive of negative test. Test results will be available two to seven days after testing.

Although a little uncomfortable, the entire test takes only about 10-15 seconds.

Some vehicles had multiple occupants desiring a test. The same procedure was completed for each person.

None of the occupants got out of their vehicles and medical personnel were fully covered in personal protective equipment.

The tests are free to all patients age 3 and up and symptoms are not required to be tested.

No appointment is necessary.

The public is encouraged to bring their photo ID and an insurance card to the visit. However, those who don't have insurance can still receive the test.

For minors, parents or guardians must complete a HIPPA form and have the child's social security number available.

Kremser encouraged residents to be patient with the process of going through paperwork and testing.

To access the site, residents should enter the picnic grounds by taking Hanna Street onto Lower Creek Road in order to prevent a back up of traffic on Water Street or Island Route.

Cars will then exit the grounds onto Bald Eagle Street and pass the Clinton County Piper Building.

The Department of Emergency Services will be coordinating with local law enforcement to navigate traffic control and logistics.