Coronavirus: 2,278 people tested at three Clark County free clinics, 2.7% test positive

More than 2,000 people, over half of whom are Clark County residents, received a free COVID-19 test last month at three pop-up clinics, according to data released Wednesday from the Clark County Combined Health District.

The CCCHD, in partnership with the City of Springfield, hosted three free COVID-19 community testing clinics throughout the county.

Of the 2,278 people tested last month, 2.7% tested positive for the virus, according to the CCCHD. In total, 59.7% of all people tested were Clark County residents.

“We are happy to have had the opportunity to partner with the City of Springfield to provide free COVID-19 testing in our community,” CCCHD Health Commissioner Charles Patterson said. “In addition to social distancing and masks, testing and tracing are crucial strategies to slow the spread of the virus.”

The first clinic was held on July 8 at Haywood Middle School. A total of 475 people were tested and 1.3% were found to be positive for the virus, according to CCCHD.

The second clinic took place on July 15th at Perrin Woods Elementary School where 906 people were tested. Of those, 4.1% were found to be positive for the virus.

The final clinic, which was a drive-thru, was held in the parking lot of the Burnett Plaza on July 22. A total of 897 people were tested and 2.1% were found to be positive.

All individuals who tested positive were contacted by phone and all necessary contact tracing was completed, according to the CCCHD. Those who tested negative received either a text message or call based on their preference selected at testing registration.

With their free clinics completed, the CCCHD is now focused on “reassessing its testing procedures to ensure results will be given in a timely manner and are working with partners to provide additional testing clinics in the near,” a statement from the CCCHD said.

Until more clinics are announced, testing is available at five locations in Clark County: MercyCrest, 30 W. McCreight Ave. Suite 110 in Springfield, Rocking Horse Community Health Center, 651 S. Limestone St. in Springfield, New Carlisle Family Practice, 432 N. Main St. in New Carlisle, New Carlisle Community Health Center, located at 106 N. Main St. in New Carlisle and Home Town Urgent Care, 38 S. Burnett Rd. and 1301 W. First St. in Springfield.

As of Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Health reported 96,305 total cases of the coronavirus and 3,595 deaths in the state.

Clark County had 1,104 cases, 12 deaths and one probable death, of the coronavirus as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the ODH’s website. Champaign County had 151 cases and one death.

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