By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
The Garrett County Health Department has contracted with a different testing laboratory for the community COVID-19 testing events on Tuesdays and Thursdays in an attempt to speed up the process of receiving test results.
“We are hoping our new contract with MAKO Medical will reduce the time it takes to receive testing results,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer for Garrett and Allegany Counties. “MAKO Medical has a patient portal which offers patients the ability to receive their results as soon as they are available.”
“The actual testing process will also be streamlined,” Dr. Corder said, “because participants can register online before they go to the testing site, or if they have a smart phone they can register in their car as the arrive to the testing site.” Testing staff can assist anyone who is unable to preregister successfully, so that everyone can be served. Pre-registration will help speed up the process on the day of testing, but you can come at any time during the testing hours.
To register for a COVID-19 test at the MEDCO Building in Garrett County follow these steps:
• Step 1: Visit https://mako.exchange/scheduler/registration/?location=2409. Or scan the QR code on garretthealth.org with your smartphone.
• Step 2: Complete the registration form. Note: Double check the spelling of your name and your date of birth. This information must be exactly correct to receive your results.
• Step 3: Upon completing the form you will receive an email with a Booking ID number.
• Step 4: Share your Booking ID number with staff on arrival at the testing site and your test results will be automatically linked to your individual code.
When your results are available you will receive a text or email either telling you that your test was negative, or asking you to log into the patient portal to view your results.
Garrett County Health Department’s Free COVID-19 testing at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park, located off Bumble Bee Road between Hart for Animals and the Garrett County Airport will take place on:
• Tuesdays – 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Thursdays – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There is no out-of-pocket cost to get a test at this site, and appointments and doctors’ orders are not required, but pre-registration is highly encouraged.
Please note the following specifics:
• while waiting wear a face covering that fully covers their mouth and nose
• follow event signs and watch for traffic personnel for direction
• be prepared for a possible wait depending on participation
• persons who do NOT have symptoms will be tested indoors
• persons who DO have symptoms will be tested in their car in a drive-through lane
Partners assisting the Garrett County Health Department with testing include Garrett County Government and Emergency Management, Garrett County Public Schools, and volunteers. Persons interested in volunteering to help with testing are encouraged to complete the COVID-19 Testing Clinic Volunteer Interest Form located at https://garretthealth.org/volunteer.
Additional COVID-19 resources:
• Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.
• To schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test or an Influenza vaccination at the Health Department call 301-334-7697. Note: No appointment is needed for the community testing events at the MEDCO Building announced above.
• For all other COVID-19 related questions, or to report a COVID-19 compliance issue, call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698.
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Contact: [email protected]
