Those who think they may have COVID-19 now have easier access to testing. As availability of test kits and the ability to process results have improved, Norton Healthcare is pleased to begin providing COVID-19 testing to anyone in the community. This includes individuals who are required by their employer to be tested.
It is recommend that those who are showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 be tested. Typical symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
When the coronavirus first reached our community, testing kits were limited and therefore prioritized for health care workers and the most vulnerable people, including those who were hospitalized or had symptoms of COVID-19 plus underlying health issues that made them more susceptible to serious complications.
“Now that we have a sufficient supply of test kits, we are eager to open up our testing,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “Many people are concerned they may have COVID-19, or may have been exposed, and want to know if they are at risk of passing the infection to others. Giving more individuals access to testing in all parts of our community is important to us.
“In addition, many businesses are requiring their employees to be tested as a means of protecting their workforce.”
Norton Respiratory Illness Testing Center in the former Walmart Neighborhood Market, 3101 Poplar Level Road, is conducting convenient drive-thru testing. Appointments are required and can be made at NortonHealthcare.com/RITC or by calling (502) 861-4611, option 1.
Testing is also available during provider visits at primary care and pediatric care offices as well as at the 15 area Norton Immediate Care Centers and eight Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens locations. Visit NortonNow.com to schedule an appointment at one of these locations.
Individuals with health insurance should have their insurance card on hand when registering and bring it to the appointment.
Test results will be available in MyNortonChart within three to five days. Individuals who test positive also will be contacted by phone.
“It is important that everyone continues to take appropriate action to minimize transmission of this virus. This includes practicing social distancing, wearing a mask when in public, and practicing proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette,” said Steven T. Hester, M.D., MBA, division president, provider operations, and system chief medical officer, Norton Healthcare. “There are still false negatives with this test, so even if your test result is negative but you have symptoms or know you have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19, it remains important to self-quarantine for a total of 14 days from exposure or start of symptoms.”