PIKEVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Pikeville Medical Center and the Pike County Health Department have announced that they are coming together provide free drive-thru COVID-19 testing.
"In order to know how COVID-19 is affecting people in our region, it is important that we provide the proper testing," said PMC Infection Control Medical Director Fadi Al Akhrass, MD, FACP, "We have been working closely with the Pike County Health Department Public Health Director, Tammy Riley, and additional community agencies, businesses and individuals. An incredible amount of work has been done to help protect our region and now to be able to partner with the health department to bring free, drive-thru testing to our community is a pivotal moment during this pandemic."
"Increased testing capacity is essential for the fight against the pandemic. The sooner we know if someone is infected, the sooner we can do contact tracing and quarantine the individual and their contacts," said Pike County Health Department Public Health Director, Tammy Riley. "Containment is crucial, and we absolutely cannot contain without testing. As they have always done, Pikeville Medical Center is willing to partner for the best outcomes for our community."
Testing will be done next to the Landmark Hotel at 172 South Mayo Trail. Appointments are not required.
Officials say testing will begin with patient registration and instructions. Pikeville Medical Center staff will collect samples in a drive-thru setting.
The first round of testing is designated for first responders. The general public testing begins Tuesday, May 5 and will be available every Tuesday thru Friday until further notice.
There will be 70 tests available each testing day. Hours for testing are from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
