To bring much-needed COVID-19 testing to more areas of our community, ChristianaCare conducted a mobile testing site in the City of Wilmington on Tuesday, April 21 at P.S. DuPont Middle School and in Georgetown on Wednesday, April 22 at Delaware Technical Community College. The two sites provided 618 tests combined at no cost to residents of those communities.
The drive-through and walk-up events did not require an appointment or a prescription. Turnaround time for test results is 3-4 days with individuals notified of their results by phone. Results also will be reported to the Delaware Division of Public Health.
“Throughout this pandemic, we have mobilized our caregivers and resources to identify and address the needs in all of the communities we serve,” said Sharon Kurfuerst, Ed.D, OTR/L, FACHE, chief operating officer at ChristianaCare. “These mobile testing sites enable us to reach our neighbors who may not have a primary care provider or easy access to other testing locations, especially in Sussex County where there has been a significant surge in COVID-19 cases.”
“I can’t praise enough the dedication and compassion of our amazing team of caregivers, many who have volunteered to be part of the mobile team,” said Terri Corbo, Pharm.D., senior vice president, clinical essential services at ChristianaCare. “We have an extraordinary team of 30 caregivers from many clinical areas of ChristianaCare who rapidly mobilize to provide testing where it is needed most.”
ChristianaCare held Delaware’s first drive-through testing event at the Wilmington Riverfront on March 13 that provided 536 tests. Since then, ChristianaCare’s testing strategy has evolved to include two stationary testing sites at the HealthCare Center of Christiana in Newark and the Roxana Cannon Arsht SurgiCenter in Wilmington, as well as the mobile testing team.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Practice social distancing, wash your hands often, don’t touch your face and use a face mask if you go out in public.
Stay home if you are sick with any of the following symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, or digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite.
If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
According to the Delaware Division of Public Health, anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
