Pennsylvania Health Department unveils nation’s first statewide COVID-19 mobile testing unit
Written by Juliana on August 26, 2020
Pennsylvania Health Department unveils nation’s first statewide COVID-19 mobile testing unit
By Julia Agos, WITF
August 26, 2020
The Pennsylvania Health Department has unveiled the nation’s first statewide COVID-19 mobile testing unit.
State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine says Pennsylvania now can bring coronavirus testing and education directly to minority and underserved communities with a new mobile testing site.
The decked-out, 40-foot long RV’s name is CATE, which stands for Community-Accessible Testing & Education. The $498,000 project is the result of a partnership with Latino Connection, Highmark Blue Shield and the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.
State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine says the goal is to provide testing and education for minority and underserved communities throughout Pennsylvania.
“Bringing testing to communities that otherwise would not receive it is a way we continue the fight against this dangerous virus,” Levine said.
CATE will operate on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge to patients. Tests will be sent to the state’s lab in Exton and should produce results within two days.
Operators plan to test anyone who believes they have been exposed to the virus, according to a statement from the health department. They will also hand out masks and literature on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Access to testing and education are essential to stopping the spread of COVID-19 especially in underserved communities,” Levine said.
The department has planned more than 30 stops in churches, YMCAs or community centers around the commonwealth between now and the end of next month – including stops in York, Lancaster and Lebanon.
CATE’s tour can be tracked on the mobile testing site.
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