BARNSTABLE, MASS. (WHDH) - Cape Cod Healthcare announced Monday that they will be partnering with Barnstable County to begin drive-through testing for the coronavirus.

To recieve testing, patients must be screened for COVID-19 by a Cape Cod Healthcare clinical care provider, receive a doctor’s order and appointment for COVID-19 testing, according to a joint release issued by county and healthcare officials.

Patients arriving at their designated appointment time will drive to the main entrance of Cape Cod Community College on Iyannough Road in West Barnstable, and follow the signs to the testing lot.

They should remain in their cars and must present a photo-ID to be seen.

At which time, a nurse in protective gear will administer a nasal swab.

Those who are showing serious symptoms and do not have a primary care

provider should visit triage tents located outside of Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth

Hospital for screenings.

Samples collected will be sent to the Department of Public Health or an offsite commercial testing facility.

Results should be expected within one to three business days.

Patients will be tested regardless of their ability to pay; no copays will be charged for a COVID-19 test.

“These testing capabilities will allow Cape Cod Healthcare to address a critical need to identify and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Michael Lauf, President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare. “This is an unprecedented public health issue and it requires the attention and support of the entire community.”

Patients testing positive will recieve a daily check-in call from a public health nurse until their results are confirmed by the CDC.

Patients displaying symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, coughing or shortness of breath should contact their primary care provider to be screened for COVID-19.

This new screening method will begin on March 16.

“Barnstable County continues to plan and respond to the COVID-19 emergency on Cape Cod in a coordinated effort with Cape Cod Healthcare and the 15 communities in our region,” said Sean O’Brien, Director of Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment.

Those in the area who do not have a primary care provider, are urged to call a Cape Cod Healthcare urgent care center.

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