JOINT RELEASE:Marion County Public Health Department, City of Indianapolis to begin additional community COVID-19 testing Thursday, Friday this week
Published on Wednesday, 29 April 2020 20:50
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2020
Testing effort aimed at addressing health disparities in minority communities
INDIANAPOLIS – The Marion County Public Health Department and the City of Indianapolis announce plans to begin free COVID-19 testing on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1 at Eastern Star Church’s main campus at 5750 E. 30th Street to address the disparities in the impact of COVID-19 among African-American residents and those of older age groups. After May 1, testing will occur Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The site will include drive-through and walk-up testing options. Law enforcement will direct car and pedestrian traffic to the designated testing area at the site.
Residents who develop symptoms of the Coronavirus or meet testing criteria can visit the registration page at https://mcphdredcap.hhcorp.org/surveys/?s=RD9LPFAHNN or call 317-221-5515. All COVID-19 testing at Eastern Star Church will be conducted by appointment only. Residents will need to complete the registration and health screening to receive an appointment before visiting the testing location. The criteria for testing include those who are:
Experiencing the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Muscle pains
- Headache
- Sore throats
- New loss of taste/smell
With or without symptoms in any of the following groups:
- Seniors over 65 years of age
- Dealing with weakened immune systems
- Frontline essential workers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if residents test positive for COVID-19, they must:
- Stay home for at 14 days
- Separate themselves from other people and pets in the home
- Monitor symptoms for any signs of the infection’s progression
- If they experience trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, or bluish lips or face, the should seek medical attention immediately.
Anyone in the community calling 9-1-1 is asked to be forthright with the dispatcher about any flu-like issues they, or any member of their family, may be experiencing – even if the dispatcher does not ask specifically. Residents should meet responders at the door or on the front porch, if they are able. This allows for a quick assessment in an open area and helps reduce risk of unnecessary exposure.
Residents and affected workers impacted by COVID-19 restrictions should visit the city’s resource guide, which can be viewed at https://www.indy.gov/topic/covid . Spanish speaking residents can view the resource guide https://www.indy.gov/topic/covidesp . Individuals who are unable to navigate the city’s website can call 317-327-4MAC between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to talk to a customer service representative. Those in need of non-emergency police services should call 317-327-3811. Residents not currently experiencing an emergency who have questions about COVID-19 are asked to call 1-877-826-0011.
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For More Information:
LaMar Holliday
Chief Communications Officer
Office of Public Health and Safety – City of Indianapolis
Desk: (317) 327-4184
Cell: (317) 677-6297
LaMar.Holliday@indy.gov
http://www.indy.gov
