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LOCK HAVEN -- Free COVID-19 testing is coming back to Clinton County.
During Monday's Clinton County commissioners' work session, commissioner Angela Harding announced that a COVID-19 testing center would be back in the county, starting today. The free walk-up testing site will set up shop at the Lock Haven University's East Campus gymnasium, located at 340 W. Main St. in Lock Haven. The location is the site of the former Lock Haven High School gymnasium.
"It is open to the public and they are testing anyone in Clinton County ages three and older," Harding announced. "They have a maximum of 450 tests per day."
The testing center will be open Tuesday through Saturday. Tuesdays through Fridays, the testing site will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. On Saturdays, the site will operate from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The test being administered is the mid-nasal passage swab PCR test. Test results are typically back within two to seven days, Harding said.
"You don't have to be showing symptoms to get tested. If you find out that you've been around someone (with COVID-19) or maybe you spent time at camp … regardless of what your circumstances are, you can go to this walk-up site and get tested," Harding said.
The testing site will be at LHU today until Saturday, Dec. 11.
Appointments are not necessary, but patients are encouraged to bring a photo ID or insurance card.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Monday that the Clinton County testing site is one of several that will be employed throughout the state.
"The fight against COVID-19 is not over as highly contagious variants continue spreading," acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said in a news release. "Testing is the best way to identify and help stop the spread of the virus. We continue to work with partners across the state ensuring the consistent accessibility of COVID-19 testing."
As the COVID-19 case counts continue to climb throughout the Commonwealth, Beam said that it's imperative that communities continue to be vigilant about testing for the deadly virus.
"We encourage anyone who feels they need or wants a test, especially if they think they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, to take advantage of the free COVID-19 testing closest to them. This includes fully vaccinated individuals who are experiencing symptoms," Beam said.
Also on Monday, the DOH announced that the Centre County testing site is being extended. Free testing continues at the former Sears Auto Center, which is located at the Nittany Mall. Testing there is available Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The former Sears Auto Center is located at 183 Shiloh Road in State College.