Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Site Now Open In Germantown

GERMANTOWN, MD — Montgomery County's newest COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown.

"We continue to expand testing capability for Montgomery County residents," said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles. "This drive-thru site will further our goal of providing access to needed testing."

Here's what you need to know about the facility and testing process:

• It's not an on-demand testing site (appointments are required)
• To determine if you qualify for testing:
  • You must meet coronavirus testing criteria as determined by a licensed health care provider (the provider will fill out an online order for testing through Maryland's CRISP information system)
• Once the form is sent, you'll be given instructions on how to make an appointment online
• Appointments will be confirmed and an ID number will be provided
• Bring your photo ID and appointment number to the testing site

Other drive-thru test sites in Montgomery County are located in Wheaton and White Oak.

Staff from the county's health department, including school nurses and dentists, participated in the testing.

At all test sites, people must remain in their vehicles with the windows rolled up until it is time to receive their test. Testing requires a clinician to insert a single long Q-tip into the back of the person's nostril for several seconds. Most individuals experience minor discomfort.

All tested individuals will receive information with further instructions at the test site and should continue to self-isolate at home while waiting for results, which should be available within three to four days. If symptoms worsen, patients should call a health care provider immediately.

If a test comes back positive, patients must self-isolate for at least seven days from when their symptoms started or three days from the last fever, whichever is longer.

More information about testing can be found here.