How to get a COVID-19 Test in Dutchess County
As the world is still suffering from COVID-19, the availability of testing for the virus has increased tremendously since the start of the pandemic. Rite Aid, Urgent Care, and MidHudson Regional are just some of the dozens of different places where one can get tested.
In order to slow down the spread of COVID-19, it is essential for testing to be available to everyone within this country, state, and county. Pulse MD Urgent Care is one of the clinics that provide rapid testing. However, when someone gets tested at Rite Aid the pharmacist puts the testing kit through the drive through, and the person tests themselves which limits contact between the pharmacist.
As of September 12th, there have only been two new positive cases in Dutchess County and 4,986 cases in total since March 2020 according to Governor Cuomo. In regards to all of New York State, on September 12, Cuomo says there have been 725 additional Coronavirus Cases — bringing the statewide total to 444,365.
According to Rite Aid’s website, in order to acquire a test one needs to complete a pretest screening, and then schedule your visit. A Rite Aid in Poughkeepsie, NY conducts testing for everyone for free. Rite Aid pharmacists Shamsa Iqbal and Christopher Oriani were able to answer a few questions regarding Rite Aids COVID-19 testing.
“We do about 25 tests a day, and there is no contact between us and the person getting tested” Iqbal said. “After they are tested they usually get their results 3–5 days after getting tested, and it is through the portal on baseline… If they are positive then BioReference will give them a call, but if they are negative then they will get an email stating that their results are ready” Oriani explained.
In regards to false positives or negatives within test results, Rite Aid does not see any of the results once the samples are sent to BioReference. “It’s possible for false positives and negatives or even inconclusive results, but we don’t have access to the results… Rite Aid acts as the
middleman for testing” said Iqbal.
“If there is an inconclusive test it is most likely due to the person not swabbing their nose correctly, but we guide them through the drive through window to make sure that they are properly testing themselves” said Oriani.
Mary Norwine, Senior at Marist College got tested at the Poughkeepsie Rite Aid location prior to returning to campus. “I felt so comfortable getting tested at Rite Aid because I was in my car, and did not have to come close to the people testing me.” said Norwine. “The test was not bad either because the swab did not go so far up my nose. I think it is smart for Rite Aid to be testing like this.” Norwine commented.
Mary Norwine, Senior at Marist College.
Rite Aid has available testing sites in 15 states across the country. Easy testing locations such as Rite Aid are one of the key components that aided New York to flatten the curve of COVID-19.
