The 11 News I-Team has new information about coronavirus testing sites that were shut down by state health officials over the weekend. Federal authorities are also investigating the operation of the sites.


The sites in question are community testing sites affiliated with a pain medicine clinic in Greenbelt. A spokesman for the state health department told 11 News on Monday 1,200 people were tested by the coronavirus community operation.

One took place at the church, where the bishop of the church says he was trying to help the hard-hit Hispanic community have access to testing.

“They approached us and basically they offered their services and told us what they would do and if we were willing to do that in partnering with them and hosting a testing event at our site,” said Bishop Angel Nunez, of Bilingual Christian Church.

Nunez leads the Bilingual Christian Church in east Baltimore. The group he’s referring to has conducted community coronavirus testing at his church and several other locations over the past few weeks. The sites are affiliated with Advanced Pain Medicine Institute (AMPI).

Nunez said 186 people showed up to be tested at his church June 16. Questions arose when results didn't come as promised.

“We were told at one time that the results would becoming in 24 to 48 hours afterwards. So, the people were supposed to get the results and I think that's where the conflict started at the beginning,” said Nunez.

On Saturday, state health officials issued an order for APMI to stop administering coronavirus tests due to lack of certification to perform the tests. The order says, "APMI shall immediately notify all patients tested for COVID-19 that the results of the COVID-19 testing conducted by APMI are invalid or erroneous."

The I-Team learned the Federal Trade Commission is also investigating.

A complaint filed by someone tested at an APMI event reads, "..their website is very minimal and the phones do not work."

That complaint also questioned why APMI wants people to turn over their Social Security number, as seen on a form people were asked to fill out at testing sites. Read more at WBALTV