It has been very difficult for many people to get a test for COVID-19 if they believe they have been exposed to the virus.
Western New York Immediate Care and a dozen select WellNow Urgent Care locations are offering COVID-19 and antibody tests.
Leaders say in just a few short days, thousands of people have already been tested, with each site averaging 90 to 100 patients.
"Our way to be able to give back to help during this crisis. To keep our doors open. We are seeing a very successful community response to the testing," said Jenilee Foster, WellNow Urgent Care regional lead provider.
Foster says anyone who has COVID symptoms or thinks they may have been exposed can be tested, with or without an appointment.
Patients stay in their car, register online, and wait for a call from the office. Once a room is open, the patient will be masked and brought in.
"Our staff members will also be masked with PPE, and the patient will be brought in to a specific respiratory exam room," said Foster.
Leaders say there are two types of tests, a nasal swab to detect if someone currently has the virus, and a blood test to detect if they may have it had it in the past.
Both take about 15 to 20 minutes, while results generally come back within three to five days.
A person can be tested and re-tested as many times as they want, as state health leaders keep track of the visits.
"They may have thought they had it, maybe in February. Maybe it really was negative and now they're coming in maybe with acute symptoms and maybe they have the COVID now. Maybe it was just upper respiratory then and now, it's COVID," said Foster.
Foster says health care workers are not only treating the patients, but educating them as well on how to stay healthy and help stop the spread.
"It is rewarding to be able to give back to these patients. I think, as health care professionals, providers, personnel, that's what we signed on to do. That's our job," said Foster.
WellNow Urgent Care looks to expand testing to its Jamestown and Lakewood locations within seven to 10 days.
WellNow Urgent Care is offering testing at the following locations:
- Amherst (Dent Tower)
- Amherst (Harlem Road)
- Batavia
- Cheektowaga
- Clarence
- Dunkirk
- Lancaster
- Niagara Falls
- Orchard Park
- Tonawanda
- West Seneca
- Wheatfield
Tests will be administered to those who display symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.
Click here for information on testing with WellNow Urgent Care.
Western New York Immediate Care is offering testing at these locations:
- Amherst
- Buffalo
- Clarence/Williamsville
- Cheektowaga/Lancaster
- Orchard Park
A provider will see you and determine which test is best for you. Most patients will have results within 36 hours.
Click here for more information on testing with Western New York Immediate Care.
Niagara Falls Urgent Care is offering testing at the following location:
- 3117 Military Road, Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
- Phone Number: 716-297-2052
Rite Aid will provide drive-thru testing at the following locations:
- 1030 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
- 2474 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215
Testing at the privately-owned business is available seven days a week, and no appointment is necessary. Patients can be tested if they have or recently had symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone who is positive for the coronavirus. Results typically come back within three days.
Evergreen Health and Community Access Services are providing drive-thru testing at the following location:
- 3297 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215
Testing will begin on May 20, 2020.
Additional information can be found here.