LEXINGTON, Ky. — Wild Health says they’ve hit record breaking numbers for COVID-19 tests administered this holiday season across the state. They report over 20,000 COVID-19 tests given this week ahead of the New Year. The testing facility’s goals are efficiency, cleanliness and aim to bring people comfort ahead of the New Year festivities.
The Wild Health testing facility located at 1505 College Way Drive on the campus of University of Kentucky, has been providing the Lexington community with efficient COVID-19 testing operations since the very beginning of the pandemic.
The company says they’ve reached record breaking COVID-19 tests administered during the 2021 holiday season, over 20,000 tests were given the week leading up to the New Year holiday. Wild Health opened 1,100 appointments New Year's Eve for people exposed to the virus or others seeking answers hopefully in time for New Year's Eve celebrations.
Shalini Patel serves as the Wild Health Operations Coordinator, she works closely with Nicole Kerz who serves as the clinic research, operations director.
“So far this week, we’ve estimated over 20,000 tests just this week in Kentucky. We are seeing a lot of people coming out and wanting to take care of themselves and their neighbors and their family,” said Merz
Cars rolled in at record breaking numbers to Lexington’s Wild Health COVID-19 testing facility ahead of the holiday.
“Can you confirm your name and date of birth for me? Alright it’s just going to be five seconds on both sides, just look straight ahead for me. One, two, three, four, five” said Patel.
Patel makes sure Wild Health testing facility in Lexington in done clean and efficiently, she's worked at the Lexington Wild Health COVID-19 testing facility since Jan. 2021.
“We have to keep a sterile environment on our fingers and hands just so when we go swab in case someone coughs, sneezes, anything like that on our hands,” said Patel.
Patel makes sure to inform each person receiving a COVID-19 test of what to expect during the process.
“Five seconds on both sides OK? Just pull your mask down below your nose, look straight ahead or at me. One, two, three, four, five,” said Patel.
The COVID-19 testing site offers both PCR and rapid tests but they’re seeing results come in much faster from their lab because of holidays, the need for people to know before gathering.
“Our rapid test take about 12 hours to get back to patients. It might be a little less time depending on the day and depending on the lab system. PCR tests take about 24-48 and we have a pretty good turn around time with our lab,” said Patel.
It's quick turnarounds that many people will need to enjoy new year festivities. Wild Health says they will be closed on New Year’s Day, appointments for both PCR and rapid COVID-19 tests will resume Sunday Jan. 2 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.