Drive-Through Coronavirus Testing Site Now Open At White Oak VEIP

SILVER SPRING, MD — A Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) facility in White Oak has been transformed into a drive-through testing site for coronavirus patients.

The newly converted screening center is a product of a partnership between Montgomery County health officials, the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland State Police, and the Maryland National Guard.

"I want to thank the Governor and his staff for working with our staff to open this drive-through testing site," Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said. "While our test supply continues to be very limited, it is important to have this process up and running."

On Tuesday, more than 30 Maryland residents, many from Montgomery County, were tested in White Oak for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, officials said.

Staff from the county's health department, including school nurses and dentists, participated in the testing. The National Guard, the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland State Police, and Montgomery County Police provided logistical support.

Across the country, test kits are in short supply. But if these kits are available, testing will continue at the White Oak VEIP site on Tuesdays and Thursdays, according to officials.

Testing is reserved for symptomatic patients who have an appointment.

"We are pleased to join jurisdictions across Maryland in partnering with the State on this important service," said Dr. Travis Gayles, the county's top health official. "We urge residents to work with a medical provider to schedule an appointment for the coming test days."

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Here's what you need to know about the facility and testing process:

• It's not an on-demand testing site (appointments are required)
• To determine if you qualify for testing:
  • You must meet coronavirus testing criteria as determined by a licensed health care provider (the provider will fill out an online order for testing through Maryland's CRISP information system)
• Once the form is sent, you'll be given instructions on how to make an appointment online
• Appointments will be confirmed and an ID number will be provided
• Bring your photo ID and appointment number to the testing site

At the test sites, people must remain in their vehicles with the windows rolled up until it is time to receive their test. Testing requires a clinician to insert a single long Q-tip into the back of the person's nostril for several seconds. Most individuals experience minor discomfort.

All tested individuals will receive information with further instructions at the test site and should continue to self-isolate at home while waiting for results, which should be available within three to four days. If symptoms worsen, patients should call a health care provider immediately.

If a test comes back positive, patients must self-isolate for at least seven days from when their symptoms started or three days from the last fever, whichever is longer.

Four other COVID-19 testing sites are popping up across the state this week. They are located at the Columbia VEIP in Howard County, the Bel Air VEIP in Harford County, the Glen Burnie VEIP in Anne Arundel County, and the Waldorf VEIP in Charles County.

"As the number of cases rise in Maryland, we are opening these sites to keep pace with the demand for testing. These sites are for residents who are symptomatic and in high-risk categories for developing serious illness," said Gov. Larry Hogan in a news release. "Like every other state in the nation, we simply do not have enough testing supplies. We need to use our resources wisely."

SEE ALSO:

• Curbside Coronavirus Testing Offered At Bethesda Medical Practice
  
• Hogan Imposes Stricter Coronavirus Protocols On MD Nursing Homes
• Mental Health Resources, Crisis Help In Montgomery: Coronavirus
  
• 2 MCPS Employees Test Positive For Coronavirus
  
• Coronavirus In Montgomery County: What To Do If You Have Symptoms