COVID-19 testing site now available to patients

ALPENA, Mich.— Patients can now drive up and receive a COVID–19 test a little closer to home than before. Alcona Health Center is now operating its first COVID–19 testing site by appointment only.

Individuals are required to have a referral from a healthcare provider before being tested. Patients are instructed to stay in their vehicles and windows should be rolled down at least three inches.

A physician will then hand over a self testing kit for patients to swab the inside of their nose. Alcona Health Center Site Manager Ivy Pfoutz says, “Its important to utilize this resource because there are not many testing sites in the area.”

So far there are only four positive COVID–19 cases in Alcona and patient test results take up to 48 hours to come in. If a patient tests positive they will be notified by their healthcare physician, followed up with by District Health Department No.2 and urged to self–quarantine for 14 days.

Testing is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2pm to 4pm by appointment only.