Expanded rapid COVID-19 drive-through sites
Additional testing location open in Connecticut
The Editors
Public-private partnerships are a powerful force, especially in times of need. We at CVS Health have been working with the administration and other partners to help facilitate increased frequency and efficiency of COVID-19 testing as part of our multifaceted response to the pandemic.
The new site in New Haven, Conn. is in addition to already launched rapid testing locations in Georgia, and Rhode Island.
Testing will be overseen by licensed health care providers from MinuteClinic, the retail medical clinic inside CVS Pharmacy locations, with assistance from CVS pharmacists and will take place in a parking lot at the former Gateway Community College campus at Long Wharf, located at 60 Sargent Drive in New Haven. Patients will receive results onsite so they can properly quarantine or seek treatment as appropriate. No COVID-19 testing will take place at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations.
Rapid COVID-19 testing will be available to eligible individuals who meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to state residency and age guidelines. Some patients will be able to pre-register in advance online at CVS.com in order to schedule a same-day time slot for testing. (This information and the link to find testing sites is also available on our plan member portal Caremark.com)
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented public health crisis in our country. As a result, all health care personnel are being called to action to help prevent the spread of the virus and help treat patients. CVS Health is uniquely positioned to play a vital role in helping support both local communities and the overall health care system in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our ability to help coordinate the availability of rapid COVID-19 testing will bolster states’ efforts to manage the spread of the virus and provide people with on-the-spot test results.
Partnering with state and federal officials to set up these test sites is in addition to steps we have already taken to help ensure that clients and plan members have ongoing, appropriate access to needed medications during the coronavirus pandemic.
For now, the number of testing sites are limited, in large part, due to limited availability of testing machines. Other challenges include:
- Continued availability of test kits
- Location of a suitable physical site large enough to accommodate significant traffic flow (CVS Pharmacy parking lots cannot accommodate this)
- State agreement to sponsor a site, provide logistical support and personal protective equipment
- Provision of appropriate security personnel (such as the National Guard)
- State law, regulations or executive order which allow for our personnel to collect samples and perform the tests
As more test machines and the supply of testing kits become available, we will continue to assess the viability and opportunity for additional testing sites where we also have sufficient personnel and can staff a site consistent with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will keep you apprised of those efforts as the information becomes available.
This article was originally published on April 9, and updated on April 17, 2020.
CVS Health has extensive policies and procedures in place to ensure the appropriate handling of data, including protected health information.
This page contains trademarks or registered trademarks of CVS Pharmacy, Inc. and/or one of its affiliates.
©2020 CVS Health. All rights reserved.