In response to the increasing number of covid cases in the region, Excela Health has reopened its testing center at 443 Frye Farm Road in Unity.
The center will be staffed from 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and is by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 800-727-9558.
Covid cases in Westmoreland County have been on a steady rise since August, peaking Dec. 2 with more than 580 cases reported. The record number of new covid cases reported in the county was 747, which was reported Dec. 10, 2020.
Since Dec. 2, the county has seen its number of positive cases jump by 2,060. Overall, there have been 35,515 positive tests in Westmoreland since the start of the pandemic, and 1,021 deaths, according to state data.
“The added variety of respiratory illnesses, including colds and influenza typical of colder weather, coupled with the increase in indoor gatherings related to the holidays, has led to widespread increase in office and emergency visits,” said Dr. Carol Fox, Excela Health’s chief medical officer. “These, in turn, lead to greater risk of exposure.
“We are hopeful that by resuming covid-19 testing outside the hospital and office setting that we can better meet the needs of all patients.”
The center is not intended for those who require a negative test to travel, officials said. Those tests can be scheduled by going to ExcelaHealth.org. The center also is not testing for other illnesses, such as influenza or strep. Those requesting a test should be either experiencing symptoms associated with covid-19 or have had exposure to someone with covid.
Tests conducted at the center are polymerase chain reaction, or PCR tests, done via nasal swab. There is no cost.
For more information, see ExcelaHealth.org.
