Posted on 03/30/20
| News Source: WBAL TV
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Various Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program centers around Maryland have been converted into drive-through testing facilities for the coronavirus.
Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Monday free, appointment-only, drive-through testing for the coronavirus is now available at several vehicle emissions facilities around the state, including Waldorf, Bel Air and Glen Burnie.
"(We) have begun drive-through testing for COVID-19 at three motor vehicle emissions inspection stations," Hogan said.
The VEIP location on Ordnance Road in Glen Burnie had a soft opening Monday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
People pulled in to get checked in. Those who had approval from their doctor and an appointment then drove into the actual emissions garage for testing.
Officials told 11 News everything ran smoothly Monday, and the biggest issue involved people actually showing up for their emissions testing.
There's also a screening site at FedEx Field in Landover, Prince George's County. Maryland Department of Health spokesman Andy Owen described the opening there as a soft opening, limited to only a few patients Monday.
Patients must get a referral from their physician, and they need to make an appointment. (Link to make appointment will be made available here.)
"When a patient goes to make an online appointment, they will see the time slots and locations that are available on that given day," Maryland Department of Health spokesman Andy Owen said.
Sabrina Lacayo was one of the first to be tested. She said it was an easy process from when she spoke to her doctor.
"I had a cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, I can't taste," Lacayo said. "We did a tele-visit. So, they talk to you on the phone, and they ask you your symptoms, and they send you a lab slip to come and get it done."
And then she got her test.
"They stick a swab up your nose, and it's a little uncomfortable. That's pretty much it. They ask for your information. It's a little pressure up there, that's it," Lacayo said.
Health officials said results will be given to patients through their physician in three to 10 days.
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR SCREENING AT FEDEX FIELD
All patients, including those with prescriptions from a doctor, must make an appointment through the Prince George's County Health Department's COVID-19 hotline at 301-883-6627.
According to the Prince George's County Health Department, testing requires the following steps: