New COVID-19 rapid test guidelines go into effect Sept. 3
Due to a nationwide shortage of COVID-19 rapid tests and increased community demand, Beacon will be prioritizing its use of the tests across the system beginning tomorrow, September 3.
“In the last two weeks, for example, testing volumes at our MedPoint locations has increased 200 percent,” said Molly Kelly, RN, Director of Retail Operations, Beacon Granger Hospital and MedPoint Urgent Care. “We ask for our community’s patience and understanding as we monitor our limited testing resources and use the rapid tests for making time-sensitive, crucial decisions for our patients’ care in our hospitals and outpatient locations.”
At this time, Beacon MedPoint and Beacon Medical Group offices are unable to provide rapid tests for individuals who do not have COVID-19 symptoms, for travel, or back-to-school or return-to-work needs. In these instances, lab-based COVID-19 testing results will take approximately 24 to 48 hours. Individuals will be called with their COVID-19 test results; results will also be available through the MyBeacon patient portal.
Beacon patients who need pre-surgical COVID-19 testing should contact the provider performing their procedure or surgery to arrange testing.
Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 testing can be found here.
Beacon continues to urge all eligible individuals to get a COVID-19 vaccine and to wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. Most community vaccination sites welcome walk-ins. Or, call 211 or visit ourshot.in.gov to find a vaccination site and register.
