Indianapolis to offer COVID-19 testing at church drive-thru
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Marion County leaders said the ZIP code 46218 is a COVID-19 hot spot.
As a result, the leaders on Thursday announced a new coronavirus testing site will open in that ZIP code at the main location of Eastern Star Church at 5750 E. 30th St.
Dr. Virginia A. Caine, director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department, said in a Thursday morning videoconference, “We have identified our largest hot spot in Marion County. This is our largest hot spot of the most number of COVID cases that appears to be a predominately African-American community, white, as well as Hispanic.”
Caine said black residents in Marion County are three times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 compared to white residents. Caine also said black residents in Marion County are 2.5 times more likely to wind up in the hospital with COVID-19 and twice as likely to die from the virus.
City-County Council President Vop Osili said in the videoconference, “We must address the impact COVID-19 is having on our African-American residents and work to prevent COVID-19 from widening existing health disparities.”
Mayor Joe Hogsett said in the videoconference, “Not only can it help prevent future infection, but a clearer picture, a more accurate picture, will begin the process by which we return to a more normal daily life.”
The drive-thru testing at the church will be available by appointment only for people who register and complete a health screening.
The church also sits along one of IndyGo’s bus routes, specifically the 30th Street Crosstown. Once the COVID-19 test site opens, people will be encouraged to either drive through the testing site, take the bus, or walk.
Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr., the senior pastor of Eastern Star Church, said in the videoconference, “We’ve designed it so you can walk up and get the test. So, we’re very excited that this community is not being overlooked.”
Marion County’s health department chief told News 8 that people seeking testing won’t need health insurance and won’t need a doctor’s order to be tested at the church.
“So, no one will require a doctor’s order to come and get tested because that’s just a tremendous barrier for our folks who are low-income.” Caine said.
She also said she hopes to have three more testing sites up in the coming weeks, in addition to the State Fairgrounds testing site. Eventually, she hopes to test up to 3,000 people a week.
City’s guidelines for people with COVID-19 symptoms
Taylor Schaffer, deputy chief of staff-communication for Hogsett’s office, said in a news release that residents who develop symptoms of the coronavirus — including fever, dry cough or shortness of breath — can call 317-221-5515 or visit www.marionhealth.org/indycovid.
Schaffer said in the release that, according to the CDC, if residents test positive for COVID-19, they must:
- Stay home.
- Separate themselves from other people and pets in the home.
- Monitor symptoms for any signs of the infection’s progression.
- If they experience trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, or bluish lips or face, the should seek medical attention immediately.
Schaffer, in the news release, also explained that anyone in the community calling 911 is asked to be forthright with the dispatcher about any flu-like issues they or any member of their family may be experiencing – even if the dispatcher does not ask specifically. Residents should meet responders at the door or on the front porch if they can. Such a meeting allows for a quick assessment in an open area and helps reduce risk of unnecessary exposure, the release said.
In the media release, Schaffer also said residents and affected workers impacted by COVID-19 restrictions should visit the city’s resource guide, indy.gov/covid. People unable to navigate to the website can call 317-327-4MAC between the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to talk to a customer service representative. Those in need of nonemergency police services should call 317-327-3811. Residents not experiencing an emergency who have questions about COVID-19 are asked to call 877-826-0011.