Lilly’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing expanded, offered to essential workers
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Lilly has expanded its COVID-19 testing to essential employees. Previously, the pharmaceutical company was only testing eligible health care workers and first responders.
Wednesday, essential employees like Chris Huesman, who have regular contact with others, were added to the list of people able to get drive-thru COVID-19 testing.
Huesman works at a senior care center.
“I think it’s really cool. I really appreciate it. I’m grateful that somebody’s trying to help out,” said Huesman.
Essential employees are people like elder-care workers, delivery drivers or grocery workers for example.
Michele Willis came to Lilly’s drive-thru test site to get tested too, even though she says she isn’t showing any COVID-19 symptoms.
“Oh, I’m feeling fine. My concern is mostly with co-workers or family members that might have underlying health conditions that I could pass something too,” said Willis.
The line of people waiting in their cars to be tested stretched down East Street for several blocks on Wednesday.
Video provided by Eli Lilly and Company gives an up-close, inside look at their drive-thru COVID-19 testing earlier this week. A Lilly spokesperson said that as of Wednesday, they’ve conducted about 6,000 tests.
About half of those tests came from the drive-thru testing site. The other half are tests being processed from area hospitals.
The expansion of the testing is welcome news for essential employees like Melissa Walters, who works at a rehab center.
“I think that’s great!” Walters said. “I think we all need to get tested if we have the chance.”
It’s important to note Lilly’s drive-thru COVID-19 is not open to the general public. It is free, but you must have a physician’s written order and an appointment.
Testing is now also open to people over 65 years old who have COVID-19 symptoms, as well as younger people with symptoms, but also have serious underlying illnesses like lung disease, cancer patients or diabetics.
You can find specific and helpful information including phone numbers to call for testing here.