Joleen Cope
Staff Reporter
This year has been truly chaotic since Covid-19 unexpectedly hit. Cases have been going up quite rapidly. Thankfully, as the amount of deaths related to Covid-19 have reached over four thousand in Glendale Arizona, CVS Health has announced the launch of free testing.
Earlier in the year, there were not many positive cases and it seemed under control. This was because of the lack of tests that were taking place. Now that CVS has announced the free rapid testing, at least in Arizona, we will be able to get accurate numbers. The CVS company is doing this to increase community access to testing in places where positive cases have been quickly going up and that really need it right now. The rapid testing site that opened is located at 6030 North 43 rd Avenue in Glendale. It was officially opened to the public on Friday, August 7.
There are a few requirements to be eligible for testing. To even be able to be tested you must make sure to pre-register to schedule an appointment. You can do this by calling 602-212-4981. Also, the patients need to meet certain criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be able to be tested along with beingat least 18 years of age. Patients are provided this testing at no cost and will, supposedly, even be provided the results on the spot. The CVS pharmacists and pharmacy employees staff the testing site. Easy access and convenience are very important, which is why these testing sites are starting to open.
Also, to raise awareness about the availability of testing in the Phoenix area, CVS Health is working with Valle del Sol, which is a nonprofit organization delivering integrated health care and diverse leadership development. Mercy Care, a health plan in Arizona, also supports the new testing site. The Mercy Care CEO, Lorry Bottrill, stated “Marcy Care is working to confront health disparities in our communities through health equity and community intervention.
This opened testing site will hopefully help stop or at least slow down the spread of Covid-19. Do not forget to wear your masks when necessary to help out too and remember to stay safe during these times.
Image Credit: United Nations COVID-19 Response
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