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Drive-thru testing to open in Sylva

Drive-thru testing to open in Sylva

Drive-thru testing for COVID-19 will be available at the Walmart parking lot in Sylva beginning Friday, May 15.

The site will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with appointments made ahead of time at www.doineedacovid19test.com. The appointment creation process will include a screening to ensure individuals meet Centers for Disease Control eligibility for testing.

The testing is made possible by Walmart and eTrueNorth, with support from state and local officials. Tests will be available for first responders, health care providers, people with COVID-19 symptoms and asymptomatic people who are at high risk for the disease.

“Walmart is part of the community, and we are proud to help support the expansion of COVID-19 testing in Sylva during this unprecedented time,” said Brooke Mueller, Walmart Public Affairs Director for North Carolina. “We are grateful to our associates who keep our stores running, our pharmacists who support these testing sites, and to eTrueNorth and local officials as we work together to open the site and help our community.”

The site will use a self-administered nasal swap test that will allow those being tested to swab their own nose onsite while in their vehicles and observed by a trained medical volunteer who will ensure the sample is taken correctly. Those being tested will be required to wear a mask and should bring an ID with them. Sealed samples will be deposited upon leaving the drive-thru site, and eTrueNorth will process test samples and communicate those results to those being tested and to the Department of Health.

Individuals will find their results online at www.doineedacovid19test.com and will receive a text or email notification when results are available. Average turnaround time is three to five days from the day of collection.

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