Similar to what has been done across the country, Carilion opened its first testing referral center last Thursday. The site is at 4064 Postal Drive in Cave Spring. Currently, only patients who meet symptomatic criteria and have an order from their Carilion physician will be tested at the site. This may change as more testing kits become available and criteria for testing changes.
Patients will be referred to this site by their Carilion primary care physician for flu and COVID-19 testing. As availability of test kits increases, Carilion will implement additional testing site locations as well as open testing beyond Carilion primary care. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
The referral clinic acts as an additional resource in tandem with existing testing sites, including VelocityCare urgent care sites and hospitals.
After being tested, patients will be strongly encouraged to return directly home and self-isolate until test results are reported. Carilion’s top priority is to keep patients and the surrounding community safe. This site will minimize potential exposures and is a best practice technique for flattening the COVID-19 curve.
As the number of cases increases, it will not be sustainable for us to provide patient condition updates or a full release for each case. VDH will be the lead. We do plan, however, to include a daily update for positive cases within the Carilion system. That is subject to change as this evolves.
As our numbers are updated, the public needs to know that the following recommendations remain critical: 1) Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available. 2) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 3) Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. 4) Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 5) Stay home when you are sick. 6) Avoid contact with sick people.
As of last Friday, March 20, three positive cases within the Carilion system have been identified. Two of them are self-isolated patients at their own homes. The Virginia Department of Health will be the agency to disclose cases by locality.
