With approximately
140 active COVID-19 coronavirus cases confirmed in Potter County and an estimated
700-900 other county residents unknowingly infected by the highly contagious
disease, the importance of a free drive-through testing clinic that opens on
Sunday in Coudersport could not be overstated.
“For yourself, for
your loved ones, and for all of those around you, it just makes sense to be
tested,” according to Potter County Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and
Paul Heimel.
Free testing will
be available daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 27, through Thursday, Dec.
31, at the back parking of Coudersport Area High School. Anyone age three and
older can be tested. Mid-nasal passage swab tests will be performed. No
appointment is necessary, and the testing site is also open to residents from
outside of Potter County. Patients are encouraged to bring a photo ID or
insurance card.
Turnaround time
for testing results is two to seven days. Individuals who test positive will
receive a phone call. They will be provided with detailed instructions to help
stop the spread. Individuals who test negative will receive a secured PDF by email.
“Over the past
several weeks, we have seen a rapid increase of positive case counts in the
region, which gives us significant cause for concern,” said Pa. Health
Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine.
Potter County has had
more than 400 confirmed COVID-19 cases diagnosed since Nov. 18. McKean’s case
count has risen by 1,060 and Tioga’s by 1,160 over the same five-week period.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently announced study results showing
that, for every confirmed carrier, there are between seven and eight victims
who are not aware that they are infected.
Potter County
Emergency Management Coordinator Glenn Dunn has been working closely with the
Health Department and its testing contractor to make local arrangements. He
noted that access will be from East Second Street (Rt. 6) onto Park Avenue and
Ross Street.
