DOWNTOWN COVID-19 TEST ACCESSIBILITY

Mayor says free tests at city hall help minorities, people without means

Lorain County Health & Dentistry began offering coronavirus testing Aug. 11 at the Elyria City Hall parking lot, 131 Court St.

Testing is available 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. two days per week, Wednesdays and Fridays, by appointment only.

Testing is expected to last continuously until an end date is set.

Those interested in getting tested should call Lorain County Health & Dentistry at 440-240-1655 for an appointment. Callers who are not established patients of Lorain County Health & Dentistry must first have a telehealth visit with Health & Dentistry provider in order to receive a testing order.

Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield said the city wanted to make testing accessible to the community and increase testing for minorities.

“We wanted to make testing accessible, and that’s one of the reasons we’re using the City Hall parking lot,” Whitfield said.

“With people knowing their COVID status, they can manage better.”

— Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield

“Lorain County Health & Dentistry have been amazing partners,” Whitfield said. “They’re using their mobile unit, so it’s accessible. People can see it, and it’s in the heart of the city.”

Those who want a test should arrive at their appointed time and remain in their vehicle.

Protected staff members

will approach the vehicle to confirm the appointment and collect the specimen.

Results are generally available in three to five days.

Lorain County Health & Dentistry also offers curbside COVID-19 testing at 1205 Broadway in Lorain, by appointment only, Monday through Friday.

“Testing is a critical element and being able to partner with Lorain County Health & Dentistry and provide this for our residents, is

a blessing,” Whitfield said.

One of the crucial steps to move forward in combating COVID-19 is testing, he said.

“We need to have good testings, good social distancing and follow our health guidelines, and ultimately, we need to get vaccinations,” Whitfield said. “There’s a full entree of things to help us with the pandemic.”

Citizens will be able to be more prepared to deal with COVID-19, he said.

“With people knowing their COVID status, they can manage better,” Whitfield said. “It lets us know if we’re asymptomatic, and need to quarantine and give a heads up to others.”

He also said it can be a sense of peace for those who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 but are unsure if they have it.

“They’re able to take the test, and if they don’t have COVID, they’re able to move on to the next steps to be treated,” Whitfield said.

PHOTOS BY LYRIC AQUINO — THE MORNING JOURNAL Judy Cilona, director of quality management for Lorain County Health & Dentistry, takes a specimen Aug. 12into a mobile testing center parked at Elyria City Hall.