More than 6,300 patients tested for COVID-19 at USA Health public drive-through sites
More than 6,300 patients have been tested at USA Health’s drive-through facilities as of June 19, 2020.
By Casandra Andrews
candrews@health.southalabama.edu
As the demand for COVID-19 testing increases, USA Health continues to offer public drive-through testing of the novel coronavirus for community residents. More than 6,300 patients have been tested at USA Health’s drive-through facilities as of June 19, 2020.
More than 2,200 tests were given in the 10 days since the site moved from Ladd-Peebles Stadium to inside the Mobile Civic Center arena. As of June 19, 471 positive results have been reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health by USA Health.
A second round of COVID-19 testing also is being administered to first responders with the Mobile Police Department. USA Health staff have performed tests on patients, first responders including law enforcement, fire fighters, nursing home workers, county jail staff and USA Health personnel.
Moving the testing site made it safer for patients and staff during severe weather, and ensures those being tested prior to surgery won't have to postpone needed procedures.
More than 1,300 COVID-19 tests have been performed on patients prior to surgical procedures as of July 20, said Michelle Dudley, executive director of practice management for USA Health and assistant vice president for medical affairs for the USA College of Medicine. So far, only two of the 1,300 patients tested positive for the virus.
“With increased demand, USA Health, in partnership with the City of Mobile, will continue to test for COVID-19,” said Natalie Fox, DNP, PNP-BC, chief nursing officer for USA Health physician practices. “We need to learn more about the prevalence of this novel coronavirus in our community so we can continue to perform needed contact tracing and recommend isolation to ultimately prevent the spread of the virus."
Mobile County continues to be among the counties with the most cases of COVID-19 in Alabama.
As a reminder, testing is by appointment only and those seeking testing should call 1-888-USA-2650 (1-888-872-2650). Phones are answered weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The tests are performed weekdays from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. No one will be admitted to the site for testing without an appointment and proper identification. USA Health patients can continue to contact their USA Health provider if they believe they need to be tested.
