Coronavirus Testing Capacity Increases In Howard County

COLUMBIA, MD — The Howard County Health Department has increased testing capacity from 100 to up to 146 tests per day at the Columbia VEIP Station starting next week. The testing site has been open since April 7 and operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. To date, the Columbia site has conducted 351 tests.

The testing site has been incrementally increasing testing from the original 60 tests a day and will use a phased approach next week. Beginning Tuesday there will be three lanes for a total of 120 appointment slots. If the increase in testing goes smoothly, the site is prepared to increase to 146 appointments on Thursday. The phased approach allows the site to increase tests without compromising efficiency or creating longer wait times.

For updates on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.

According to Howard County officials, to qualify for testing, residents will need to get a referral from their healthcare provider and will then be given directions on how to register online and make an appointment at a test site. At the test sites, residents will remain in their vehicles with the windows rolled up until they receive their test.

After receiving their test, residents will be given additional information about how to properly self-isolate at home. If symptoms worsen, residents should contact their healthcare provider, especially if they experience shortness of breath.

Read more:

• Howard County Restaurants Offering Delivery, Takeout: Coronavirus
• Howard County Designated As 'Hot Spot' By Gov. Hogan: Coronavirus
• Local Business Guide: What's Open Or Closed In Columbia
• RVs 4 MDs Initiative Arrives In Maryland To Aid Coronavirus Fight
• Latest Howard County Coronavirus Updates