Central Maine Hospitals Begin Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing

At Maine General Medical Center's Augusta and Waterville locations and Inland Hospital in Waterville, some patients can drive up to get tested for coronavirus without even exiting their car. Though it's not for everybody.

Looking like something out of a nuclear fallout movie, fully gowned, gloved and masked employees standing inside open-ended makeshift garages, will swab patients from right inside their vehicle.

According to the KJ, while Inland Hospital is hoping to streamline drive-up testing, Maine General is only using this outdoor service for patients who have called ahead and have indicated they have symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. Basically, it's like an 'outdoor appointment' as ER staff puts on their PPE (personal protective equipment) and meets the patient outside.

Officials at all area hospitals are urging patients who develop symptoms to call the primary care physician first and speak with them regarding their symptoms. They are asking patients to not show up at express care locations unannounced and, in the event of an emergency, call 911.