COLUMBUS, Ohio — Pop-up testing has started across the state, including one location in Columbus, where they've been testing for a little over a week and have completed more than 400 tests.

“We do expect more positive case results. You know, as you test more, you can anticipate that you will have more positive results. What we'll be looking at in public health is whether those test results are in proportion to the number of tests,” said Columbus Public Health Director of Public Affairs and Communications Kelli Newman. 

While on site, I decided to take part in the drive-thru testing process to better understand the experience. 

After registering beforehand with my name, license, and date of birth, I received a throat swab that lasted a couple of seconds, and that was it. 

The test is free and no doctor's referral is needed, and this location at 240 Parsons Ave in Columbus is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Newman says we all need to be mindful that COVID-19 is still present in our community.

“It has not gone away. So if you are out in public, you need to do those things that will protect your health, such as wear a face covering, social distance, avoid large crowds if you can,” said Newman. 

It’s worth a reminder that you continue to clean your hands often, avoid sharing households items, clean all “high touch” surfaces such as counters and doorknobs every day, monitor your symptoms, and seek medical attention if you have trouble breathing. 

Antibody tests are widely available if you go to a physician's office, however unlike the COVID-19 test, the accuracy of an antibody test can vary, according to Ohio State College of Public Health Epidemiologist Dr. Bill Miller.

“The thing that we don't know about those tests that's really important is whether they—if you have a positive test, whether that means you are immune or not. In this context, we just don't know how the immunity to COVID-19 is going to play out,” said Dr. Miller. 

Pop-up sites in Elyria, Portsmouth, and Xenia are also available in coming days.

Your local Walmart, Target, and CVS retailers are doing COVID-19 testing on site as well.

As for test results, you should hear back in one to two days from either the medical professional on site or your own personal doctor. 

For information on testing sites in Columbus, visit the City of Columbus website.

For a statewide listing, visit the Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus website.