Augusta CVS to Begin Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing
In a world where we're trying to make being tested for coronavirus more accessible and convenient, CVS has stepped up in a big way. According to the Kennebec Journal, the company, based in Rhode Island, wants to have 1,000 stores participating in drive-through COVID testing by the end of May.
There will be four stores in Maine that will begin participating in this new program. Stores in Portland, South Portland, Biddeford and Augusta will all be taking part. Each store will be able to conduct up to 50 tests each day.
According to CVS CEO Larry Merlo, “Opening access to testing in more locations using our drive-thru window represents an important milestone in our response to the pandemic. We remain grateful for the daily efforts and sacrifices of our front-line colleagues who make the continued expansion of our testing possible.”
People will need to make an appointment and preregister for the drive-through test on the CVS website. Customers will also need to make sure they qualify for this test and answer a brief questionnaire.
There will be no out of pocket expense to customers who get the test. The test will be a self-administered nasal swab done under the guidance and supervision of a CVS employee. According to CVS, test results should be in after about three days. All tests that are taken will be reported to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
If you or someone you know is in need of a COVID-19 test and not sure where to go. Call your local CVS store in Portland, South Portland, Biddeford or Augusta and see if they have availability. Or, you can just check their website.