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April 17, 2020

First rapid COVID-19 testing center comes to New Haven

PHOTO | Courtesy CVS The new COVID-19 rapid testing site in New Haven is at the former Gateway Community College site on Sargent Drive.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Want to know if you have the COVID-19 virus, and quickly? 

Gov. Ned Lamont announced this morning that the state has partnered with CVS Health to make free, rapid tests available to state residents. Eligible patients can get results within 30 minutes, according to the announcement.

The initiative launched with the opening Friday of the first rapid testing site at the former Gateway Community College campus, 60 Sargent Dr., New Haven. The location was selected because it can accommodate multiple lanes of cars at one time, officials said.

CVS plans to perform up to 750 tests daily, seven days a week with Abbott ID NOW tests. Patients will get results on site so they know whether they should seek treatment and quarantine themselves. CVS has already had similar rapid drive-through testing sites in Georgia, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

“While a vaccine does not yet exist for this virus, one of the ways we can mitigate its impact is through increasing our testing capacity,” Lamont said in an announcement.

“Not only will this new testing site significantly increase the number of people being tested, but the speed at which we can get results will aid in our effort to prevent further spread of this disease,” he added.

Troyen A. Brennan, MD, CVS’ executive vice president, said, “Our ability to help coordinate the availability of rapid COVID-19 testing for Connecticut residents will bolster the state’s efforts to manage the spread of the virus and provide people with on-the-spot test results.”

Mayor Justin Elicker said these testing sites have been effective in other states.  “I am glad that CVS Health has stepped up quickly to open a rapid testing site in our city,” Elicker said. 

To be eligible for testing, you must meet certain requirements, including experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms. Patients must arrive and remain in their cars for testing, and team members will direct people through the process, which involves taking a swab.

In order to be tested, you must pre-register in advance online and schedule a time slot prior to arrival. To register, visit www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing.

If you don’t have internet access, the city’s Health Department can help you fill out the online application over the phone. Call 203-946-4949 for assistance.

If you don’t have a vehicle, dial 211 for assistance, and the state will provide taxi service free of charge. Both taxi drivers and riders will be given protective equipment and a plexiglass shield will separate drivers and passengers. Vehicles will be disinfected after each ride, officials said.

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