NORTH VERNON — Jennings County’s free COVID-19 testing clinic is up and running.
According Pam Petry, nurse with the Jennings County Health Department, anyone with or without symptoms can be tested at the clinic located at the North Vernon Education and Training Center.
Since opening on Sept. 15, two positive cases have been diagnosed of the 125 citizens tested at the clinic, the health department said Thursday.
“There are many good reasons to be tested for COVID-19 and we are are hearing all kinds of reasons why people want the test,” Petry said.
The only requirement to be tested is an appointment, and arrangements can also be made for walk-in requests.
On top of general health concerns, Petry said many people are getting tested to prove they don’t have COVID-19 for employment or educational reasons.
“Travel is another big reason people want to take a test,” she said. “Some communities have very different rules for dealing with the pandemic. A recent test proving you don’t have COVID-19 might help to get through some of the requirements if you are planning to travel.”
According to JCHD administrator Peggy Roe, the testing facility can easily accommodate more than three times as many patients as they are receiving now.
Since the clinic opened, the clinic is averaging around 10 tests a day, she said.
“We want people to come in for their test and we are not going to turn anyone away because we are busy. We will make it work,” Roe said.
The clinic uses the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing system which, according to Petry, is considered the most accurate testing currently available.
The results of the test take two to three days. Each person tested is notified directly of their results.
“So far, the clinic is proving to be a good community asset,” Petry said “The school corporation has discovered the clinic is an easy and fast way to check a student’s health. The jail has also used us. Safe, fast and accurate testing is really important for any organization where there is a threat of rapid transmission.”
The clinic was established through a $100,000 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) grant received from the federal government.
With the help of the Schneck Medical Center, the Jackson County Health Department and the Jennings County Health Department worked together to apply for the grant.
Both counties now operate clinics. In Jackson County, there’s testing at the former Indiana State Police post building at 721 E. Tipton St., Seymour.
Schneck Medical Center provides the nursing staff at both county facilities.
The city of North Vernon is providing the use of the ETC office suite free of charge. The testing site is prepared to operate through April of 2021.
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Free COVID-19 testing is available to all Jennings County residents at the North Vernon Educational and Training Center, 1200 W. County Road 150N, North Vernon.
Hours of operation are:
–Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
–Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
–Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
–Closed on Sunday and Monday
To make an appointment, go to https://scheduling.coronavirus.in.gov
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