Employees doing COVID-19 testing wear considerable amounts of personal protective equipment.
(Justin Hicks/IPB News)
If you’ve had trouble lately getting an appointment for a COVID-19 test – or if your appointment was abruptly canceled – it’s likely the heat is to blame.
But an OptumServe official wants Monroe County residents to know that while the Bloomington OptumServe COVID-19 testing location is closing early most days due to heat, registered patients can still walk in during operating hours to receive a test.
So, if your appointment is for 3 p.m., or any time after the site closes for a heat delay, you can walk in earlier in the day to get tested.
The most important thing is to make sure that you are registered with OptumServe, which can be done online.
OptumServe said this is just a short-term solution while the company searches for a testing location that is air-conditioned.
Officials at Bloomington's OptumServe location said they are encouraging people to stick to their appointment times if possible, but that if the test is needed for employment or travel purposes, walk-in testing is allowed.
The number of tests reported by the state has been down the last couple of weeks. And State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said the summer heat is the primary reason.
Many of the state’s testing sites – principally those run by OptumServe – are either outdoors or in places without air conditioning, like state armories. This includes the Bloomington testing location. And Box said testing employees can’t be put at risk.
“Once that heat gets up to be about 78 to 80 [degrees] and they’re in their personal protective equipment, they will shut down," Box said. "And unfortunately, in order to go as long as they can, that ends up being a last-minute decision.”
Box said the state is actively exploring other sites where air conditioning is available.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana pagehere.
