As the more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads, our communities are seeing a surge in cases, especially among the unvaccinated and in children not yet eligible for the vaccines.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus, it is recommended you get tested so you can take action for your health and to help stop the spread. Wellstar is offering rapid and PCR tests at all 17 of our urgent care locations, keeping care convenient and close to home. Testing is also available at retail pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS, as well as through your local health department.
How do I get tested?
If you require COVID-19 testing, we encourage you to book an appointment online in advance whether you have symptoms or not. At this time, all online appointments are reserved for COVID-19 testing due to high demand.
While we also offer walk-in COVID-19 evaluations and testing, reserving a time online is often easier for busy schedules and may potentially help save time in the waiting room.
We are still providing walk-in care for other non-emergent medical issues, such as colds, sprains, strains, minor cuts and burns.
What if my child needs a COVID-19 test?
While our urgent care centers will perform COVID-19 testing on children 12 and older, Wellstar recommends choosing a testing location based on your child’s medical circumstance. If your child requires a COVID-19 test and is:
- Asymptomatic (showing no symptoms): Find a local COVID-19 testing site near you.
- Showing mild to moderate symptoms: Contact your Wellstar pediatrician’s office directly to book a COVID-19 testing appointment.
- Experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, unable to keep liquids down, lethargy, or severe gastrointestinal symptoms: Seek immediate medical care at the nearest pediatric emergency department.
For more information, visit our Pediatric Care During COVID-19 resource page.
Which tests are available?
Wellstar offers rapid and PCR tests. Both tests involve a provider inserting a swab into your nose to collect nasal secretions from the back of the nose and throat.
PCR tests look for viral genetic material in the sample. Test results are usually available within 24 hours. A lab processes the sample. Same-day results are available at the urgent care centers located at Wellstar health parks when testing is completed by noon.
Rapid COVID-19 tests detect specific protein in the sample, which may indicate a COVID-19 infection. The sample is then processed at the testing location. Results are also available at the testing location, normally in 15 to 30 minutes.
Can I still be treated at an urgent care location if my health issue is unrelated to COVID-19?
We are still offering walk-in urgent care for non-emergent medical issues, such as:
- Cold/flu
- Cough
- Cuts
- Minor burns
- Sore throat
- Sprains
How can I prevent COVID-19?
The best defense against COVID-19 is vaccination. Everyone 12 and older is eligible to get vaccinated, and the shots are very effective at preventing COVID-19. Visit your local retail pharmacy to stick it to COVID and get your vaccine.
However, our youngest community members under the age of 12 are especially vulnerable because they can’t get their shots yet. As schools are back in session, it is especially crucial that we step up to protect ourselves and our communities. Follow the 3Ws — wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance from others — and get a check-up with your Wellstar primary care provider to stay healthy.
