KELLOGG, Idaho — Coronavirus testing is expanding in North Idaho after people waited for several hours at Kootenai Health's testing site.
Heritage Health is now offering coronavirus testing for its 3,000 patients in North Idaho. COVID-19 tests are being administered by appointment only, Dr. Peter Purrington, Chief Clinical Officer for Heritage Health said.
Kootenai Health's testing site has been overrun with people, said spokesperson Katherine Hoyer.
"We believe recently there's been two or three-hour waiting periods in the line at that testing site, so we're also looking at additional testing locations that we can set up in our area," Hoyer said.
A coronavirus testing site at Kootenai Health was recently overwhelmed with wait times up to four hours.
Health officials also said were adding staff to try to speed up the process. They were also looking at possibly extending hours, which would require more staffing.
A nasal swab test will be available at Heritage Health drive-in locations in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum and Kellogg, said Heritage Health CEO Mike Baker.
“We’re pleased to be supporting the North Idaho community with these much-needed tests,” Baker said. “Testing is an important factor in beating the coronavirus. Drive through testing is quick and easy.”
“If you’re showing symptoms of the coronavirus, you should contact your provider and schedule an appointment,” Purrington said. “Testing is an important step in slowing the spread of the virus.”
To schedule an appointment at Heritage Health call (208) 620-5250 or call (208) 783-1267 to schedule an appointment in Kellogg.
To get a test at Kootenai Health, people need to be referred by their physician or call the Coronavirus Informational Hotline at 977-415-5225 to get an order for a test.