State to Begin Large-Scale COVID-19 Testing

Inside INdiana Business is reporting the state of Indiana is partnering with Minnesota-based OptumServe Health Services to open COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state. Governor Eric Holcomb’s office says 100,000 Hoosiers are expected to be tested in the first 30 days.

Over the next week, 20 testing sites will open at Indiana National Guard armories, with an additional 30 testing sites opening in the next 14 days. The state says each site will be open Monday through Friday for at least eight hours per day.

Testing will be open to any Hoosier showing symptoms of COVID-19, close contacts of positive cases, or residents living in congregate living settings. Those wishing to be tested will be able to do so without seeing a healthcare provider first as State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box will issue a standing order for any Hoosier who meets the criteria to receive the test.

The testing will be free and insurance will not be required, however the state is asking those with private health insurance to bring their information with them.

“We have been working diligently to increase access to testing throughout Indiana with drive-thru clinics and strike teams,” Dr. Box said in a news release. “By joining forces with Optum, we will ensure that testing for COVID-19 is available to Hoosiers who need it most.”

Holcomb’s office says testing will be by appointment only and registration will open 48 hours before testing sites open. An online portal through Optum is set to launch soon to allow Hoosiers to register and a hotline phone number is expected to be added soon as well.

Test results are expected to be given within 48 hours on average. The state says once all 50 sites are open, as many as 6,600 Hoosiers can be tested per day.

 

Testing locations open next week include Angola, Columbus, Connersville, Danville, Elkhart, Huntington, Jasper, Johnson County, Lafayette, LaPorte, Logansport, Muncie, Peru, Richmond, Scottsburg, South Bend, Terre Haute, Valparaiso and Vincennes.