Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Site Available In Columbia

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Starting April 7, the Howard County Health Department, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, will begin offering drive-thru testing for the new coronavirus at the Columbia Emissions Testing Center for residents who are displaying symptoms and have a referral from their healthcare. Anyone with symptoms and a doctor's referral also must have an appointment to be tested.

The drive-thru testing site at 6340 Woodside Ct., #1071 in Columbia will be open for appointments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“To effectively track the spread of COVID-19, we must have more testing and the new drive-thru testing at the Columbia VEIP Station is a step in the right direction,” said county executive Calvin Ball in a statement. “Ultimately there is a shortage of testing across the country, and we’re working with our state and federal partners to remedy that as quickly as possible.”

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Once residents have a referral from their healthcare provider, they then will 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 the test is administered, 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.

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