Two New COVID-19 Testing Options Are Now Open

March 23, 2020

Two new COVID-19 testing centers opened in Escambia County on Monday; they are in addition to a Sacred Heart site that opened last week. Details on all three options are below.

Baptist Health Care

Baptist Health Care now offers a screening center to evaluate people with respiratory illness and COVID-19 symptoms. To better and more safely serve our community members, this Baptist Medical Group location is set up to provide a controlled environment that applies the social distancing guidelines encouraged by the CDC. The center’s focus is to provide a more comprehensive treatment program by screening those who may have COVID-19 and treating people with Flu-A, Flu-B, pneumonia or other respiratory illnesses.

All individuals with respiratory symptoms – such as cough, fever and shortness of breath – can set up an appointment with the screening center. They should contact their Baptist Medical Group primary care provider office.

An appointment is required.
The Baptist Medical Group office will assess a person’s symptoms to determine if a visit to the clinic is needed.
If they meet the criteria, an appointment will be scheduled for them.
They will be given a phone number to call upon their arrival.
Patients will be asked to remain in their vehicles, and a BMG team member will greet them and escort them to the clinic.

Brownsville Community Center

Escambia County, the City of Pensacola, Ascension Sacred Heart and Community Health Northwest Florida have partnered to open a drive-through COVID-19 testing site at Brownsville Community Center.

All patients are required to be screened before arriving at the drive-through testing center by calling the Ascension Sacred Heart COVID-19 Screening Call Center at (850) 746-2684. Those who have not been screened over the phone will not be provided access to the drive-through test center.
Once patients have been pre-screened through the call center for symptoms, they will be sent to the drive-through testing site for a nasal swab test.
The screening call center will be open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The drive-through clinic will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ascension Sacred Heart

On Monday, March 16, Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart opened the first regional drive-through testing center for COVID-19.

All patients are required to be screened before arriving at the drive-through testing center by calling the Ascension Sacred Heart COVID-19 Screening Call Center at (850) 746-2684.

The screening call center will be open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Comments

5 Responses to “Two New COVID-19 Testing Options Are Now Open”

  1. Daniell Smith on March 28th, 2020 12:50 pm

    I was tested at the drive-thru site in Pensacola on Sunday March 22nd, and still have yet to receive my results, the paper I was given at the test site said my results would be back within 4-5 days, tomorrow will be a week, and I have yet to hear anything, and cannot get an answer as to when I will receive them. Will very limited people being able to be tested I am surprised at the length of time it is taking to receive results!!

  2. Gloria on March 25th, 2020 8:48 am

    I don’t understand why some still need to work and some stay home during If the ones working can still get sick and bring the sickness home. And are test results given at the time tested, because how do we know if we can go back home or isolate ourselves.

  3. just responding on March 23rd, 2020 5:35 pm

    @Beulah Gal – please understand that the Sacred Heart is having to follow the CDC guidelines, in part, due to the shortage of personal protective equipment – unfortunately, everyone cannot be screened. I’m sure they would like to screen everyone.

    My understand is that if you meet the criteria to be screened, you are sent home and asked to self-isolate unless until your results are returned. From what I have read, if your symptoms become severe enough that you require ER care, you are simply asked to contact the ER prior to arrival as opposed to just walking in and potentially affecting others. If you have symptoms and qualify for testing, you SHOULD NOT be working!!

  4. guidance on March 23rd, 2020 4:39 pm

    How will the patient know if she/he tested positive and if positive where would the patient receive medical services if they get worse since the ER or medical facilities do not want those patients just to walk in in their facilities.
    Also how are social distances handle in work entities since some worker have to report to their duties and be among other employees that may or may not have the virus.

  5. Beulah Gal on March 23rd, 2020 3:43 pm

    Doesn’t matter how many sites they have, most people will be rejected. If you haven’t traveled or come in direct contact with a known patient Sacred Heart will refuse to test. The Health Dept. said Quest would test anyone with symptoms, but according to my doctor, they only provide test kits for patients 60 and older.