Drive-through COVID tests return to Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield has announced that it has reopened its drive-through testing center in light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

“Our COVID operations team has kept a close eye on the [infection] data since the start of the pandemic,” said Curtis Smith, the health center’s chief operations officer. “When we saw testing and positivity levels rise in Jefferson County, we immediately decided to bring [the shed] back for drive-through testing.”

All scheduled COVID-19 tests at JCHC Clinics will be performed at the drive-through shed. The health center said in a news release that this collection method poses significantly less exposure risk to both patients and staff. Tests are processed at the health center and results may arrive in less than 24 hours. The testing shed is located in the parking area on the north side of the health center campus.

If you need or want to be tested for COVID-19, the health center encourages you to call its hotline at 641-469-4180 to schedule a drive-through appointment. Its schedulers and nursing staff will guide you through the entire testing process.

All individuals who exhibit non-life threatening COVID-19 symptoms (i.e. coughing, shortness of breath, fever, etc.) should call the COVID-19 hotline at 641-469-4180 before visiting Jefferson Count Health Center to receive additional guidance and to help prevent the spread of the virus. Those who are experiencing life-threatening symptoms should visit their nearest emergency room or dial 911.

COVID-19 vaccinations still are available. To schedule a vaccine appointment, call the COVID hotline at 641-469-4180. Vaccines are free, and you do not have to be an existing patient.

“The authorized vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19, including the delta variant,” the health center stated.