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What the First Day of COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Looked Like
March 16, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic enlarges its footprint in Connecticut, Hartford HealthCare mobilized quickly and opened a drive-through testing center March 16 at Hartford Hospital.
Patients will not be tested without an order from Hartford HealthCare Medical Group or the HHC Clinical Command Center (860.972.8100).
As the Hartford Hospital drive-through, cars drove up at a steady pace, met by a team of nurses, medics, respiratory therapists and ancillary staff from the Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI) at Hartford Hospital. Steve Donahue, Director of Operations for CESI, was in the first shift of team members to meet incoming patients.
“Most people were appreciative of the service, but emotions were high, to be sure,” said Donahue. “It’s a unique time for all of us. Whatever we can do to stop this spread is important.”
The transaction takes about three minutes from start to finish, and involves obtaining a sample from the patient’s nostril.
The first step for team members — dressed in scrubs, a gown, N95 mask, face shield and gloves — is to have the patient put on a facemask of their own. The testing process is explained, and samples are taken from the patient as they recline in their car. Two samples are taken to test for COVID-19 and the flu.
The labeled samples are put in refrigeration, to be shipped to the lab for testing. During the testing process, patients are given follow-up instructions and information about self-isolation. Patients will receive their results through MyChart or by phone within four days.
Beyond the staff administering the tests, extensive preparations and safety protocols were put into place well before the first car arrived.
“The city of Hartford Traffic Division jumped into action quickly and helped us with traffic flow,” said Peter Fraser, Director of Public Safety for Hartford HealthCare. “Parking signs were in place and the traffic division was here before sunrise to help us set up traffic cones. They also helped facilitate assistance from the Hartford Parking Authority and Hartford Guides, who will be helping us on site every day.”
At the end of his shift, Donahue reflected on this incredibly unique situation with three main takeaways.
“I am so glad Hartford HealthCare did this, for the good of the community,” he said. “This event solidified my belief that we are properly trained for this. And I am so proud of my team.”
For patients to be tested, they must have a referral from a provider through Hartford HealthCare Medical Group or an order through a virtual health visit done by a physician at Hartford HealthCare’s Clinical Command Center.
Hartford HealthCare’s drive-through COVID-19 testing sites will open later this week in Bridgeport, Meriden, Norwich, and Torrington. For more information, click here.
Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.
Click here to schedule a virtual visit with a Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent care doctor.
Stay with Hartford HealthCare for everything you need to know about the coronavirus threat. Click here for information updated daily.
Questions? Call our 24-hour hotline (860.972.8100 or, toll-free, 833.621.0600).
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