File: Courtney Lamdin
An earlier drive-up testing site in Essex Junction
Vermonters who feel fine but worry about recent exposure to coronavirus can get tested at a series of "pop-up" events scheduled over the next two weeks.
The Vermont Department of Health is hosting daylong testing clinics for asymptomatic residents in 11 cities and towns between May 14 and May 23.
In an announcement Wednesday, the department encouraged health care workers, first responders, childcare providers and people returning to Vermont to sign up for the events, but anyone who doesn't have flu-like symptoms can make an
online appointment.
No doctor's referral is necessary, but appointments are required. Anyone
with symptoms should contact their health care provider for a testing referral, according to the Health Department.
Until now, most asymptomatic residents could not get tested for COVID-19, but the clinics are part of Gov. Phil Scott's plan to expand testing as one way to suppress future outbreaks. Their goal is to eventually test 1,000 people per day.
More than 400 tests were conducted at recent pop-up clinics for essential workers in Bennington and Colchester, according to the
Bennington Banner and WCAX.
"We are expanding our testing capability quite aggressively in this state," Human Services Secretary Mike Smith told reporters Wednesday. "The objective is that everybody who wants a test, will get a test."
Thursday's clinic at Brattleboro Union High School already has a wait list, according to
the state registration portal.
Future clinics include:
Saturday, May 16
- White River Junction: Upper Valley Aquatic Center, 100 Arboretum Lane
- Colchester: Vermont Public Health Laboratory, 359 South Park Drive
Monday, May 18
- Rutland: Rutland High School, 22 Stratton Road
Tuesday, May 19
- Barre: Barre Memorial Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill
Wednesday, May 20
- Middlebury: American Legion Post 27-49, 49 Wilson Road
- St. Albans: Collins Perley Sports Complex, 890 Fairfax Road
Thursday, May 21
- Newport: North Country Union High School, 209 Veterans Avenue
Friday, May 22
- Springfield: Springfield High School, 303 South Street
- Morristown: Capstone Community Action, 250 Industrial Park
Saturday, May 23
- Lyndonville: Lyndon Town School, 2591 Lily Pond Road