The Vermont Department of Health is opening nearly two dozen additional pop-up sites to test people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 for the virus.
As of late Friday afternoon there were still a few times available at the Middlebury testing sight on May 29. There is another one scheduled for June 4 in Middlebury. Both will be at the American Legion Post on Wilson Road. Pre-registration is required.
The specimen collection sites are located throughout the state. Vermonters can find a list of the sites and make an appointment to be tested at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups(link is external), or by calling 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828. All clinics operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The pop-up sites are for asymptomatic Vermonters to find out if they currently have a COVID-19 infection. Health officials especially encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers currently serving essential workers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners, to sign up. The sites are organized and led by the department’s local health offices with support from EMS units and the Vermont National Guard.
Laboratory teams have tested more than 3,030 samples to date from pop-up sites alone as part of Governor Phil Scott’s efforts to expand COVID-19 testing. Results are reported at healthvermont.gov/covid19.
Anyone whose test results are positive for COVID-19 will receive a phone call from a public health nurse to inform them of their result, and to discuss recommendations and guidance for their care and treatment of any symptoms. If your test is negative, you will get a letter in the mail within a week.
Whether you have COVID-19 or not, you should always:
·       Keep a 6-foot distance from others when you are out.
·       Wear a cloth face mask if you cannot avoid close contact with other people.
·       Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
·       Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
·       Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
·       Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
To find a test site near you and make an appointment:
Visit humanresources.vermont.gov/popups(link is external) or call 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828. If you need transportation to a site, schedule your appointment, and then at least two days before the appointment call 833-387-7200.
Vermonters with symptoms(link is external) – no matter how mild – should contact their health care provider to get referred to a nearby testing site. People who do not have a health care provider can call 2-1-1 to be connected with a local community or hospital-connected clinic(link is external).
For up-to-date information and guidance for staying healthy and preventing the spread of COVID-19 go to: healthvermont.gov/covid19.