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Meritus Health Screening Centers Release New Criteria for COVID-19 Testing

HAGERSTOWN – Due to limited testing supplies nationwide, new guidelines for COVID-19 testing were released by the state of Maryland March 24. Screening centers run by Meritus Health now have new criteria for COVID-19 testing.

Staff at the current screening centers run by Meritus Health will ask all those directed to the locations the following questions –

• Are you 18 or older? Those younger than 18 will not be tested at the screening centers. If you feel your child needs evaluated for possible COVID-19 symptoms, please talk with your family physician.
• Do you have a fever greater than 100.5 degrees and/or a dry cough or shortness of breath or a sore throat? People without symptoms do not qualify for testing.
• Do you fall into any of these categories (now considered high-priority by the state):

• Are you a Meritus health care worker or a Washington County first responder?
• If not, are you age 60 or older?
• If not, do you have any underlying conditions, which include high-risk co-morbidities like chronic lung disease (asthma or COPD), long-term steroid use, current chemotherapy treatment for cancer, hemodialysis and heart disease)?

Meritus Health currently has three screening centers open:

• The drive-thru screening center behind Meritus Medical Plaza, at 13620 Crayton Blvd., is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week.
• A downtown walk-thru screening center is open at 535 Summit Ave., the property where the Surrey School/The Learning Center was once located. Open Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• A second walk-thru screening center is open at Meritus Family Medicine, 24 N. Walnut St. This is open Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Covid testing supplies are in short supply nationwide. With new testing limitations in Maryland, please speak with your primary care physicians or a health care professional answering the COVID-19 care line prior to arriving. The COVID-19 care line is 301-790-9170.

Meritus Health is currently working with commercial laboratories for the COVID-19 testing at the screening centers. The estimated turnaround time for results is between 5-7 days currently based on the commercial lab process.

The screening centers are not for return-to-work or employee health requirements for local businesses. Questions and concerns about symptoms should be directed to 301-790-9170.