“I am calling on all Ohioans to once again unite. We must work together, support each other, and help each other through this challenging time. I’ve seen you do this. I know you can do this. Ohioans can continue to help our most vulnerable, while also protecting ourselves and our families. Together, we can be the Ohio where our hospitals are not overwhelmed, where our schools can open, where sports can start, and where our economy can continue to grow, Governor DeWine added. A video of the address is available on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page. https://youtu.be/p8UNoqrXHas
Manju Sankarappa, Executive Director
For more information about Covid-19, including testing locations, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov
Columbus Public Health is now offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing in partnership with Mount Carmel, Ohio Health and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Anyone in the community with symptoms can now get a free test, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Columbus Public Health (240 Parsons Ave.).
Testing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and helps saves lives. If you’re sick, it’s important to get a test as soon as possible to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community. Here’s what else you need to do know about COVID-19 testing at Columbus Public Health:
- You don’t need health insurance to get a free test. You can find out more about enrolling in health coverage through Medicaid or the Marketplace here.
- You don’t need a doctor’s referral, but registration and appointments are recommended. Community members can call Columbus Public Health at 614-645-1519 to register for drive-thru or walk-up testing or for any questions.
- The test is a nasal swab that will be administered by a trained technician. The technician will put a special cotton swab up both sides of your nose. It won’t hurt, but it might be uncomfortable. The swab will then be sent to a lab to test.
- If you test positive for COVID-19, a public health employee will call you and ask questions about where you have been and who you have been in close contact with. This is called contact tracing, and the information gathered is only used to contact potential cases so they can be quarantined to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Translated materials about the testing can be found below.
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In addition to Columbus Public Health, nine other community sites throughout Columbus are also offering free COVID-19 testing. You can find a list of test sites by visiting www.columbus.gov/coronavirus or viewing the Community Testing Resource page attached.
As always, we are grateful for your partnership and your continued support in keeping our community healthy and safe!
