New COVID-19 testing moves inside Thomas & Mack to escape heat
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A new COVID-19 testing site opens Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. This time it's inside and the process is a lot different.
Representatives from Clark County and UMC all agreed in a media conference Monday that heat is a main factor to bringing the COVID-19 test site inside Thomas & Mack. Making for a more comfortable and efficient environment as demand for COVID-19 testing continues to rise in Clark County.
More than 56,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Officials say the former drive-thru operation, coupled with the summer heat wasn’t the best environment for patients.
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“We had some safety concerns that needed to be address,” said Gregg Maye, UNLV Emergency Management coordinator.
The new testing site has been moved inside to the Strip View Pavilion room on the northwest side of Thomas & Mack.
“Testing is you know, the most critical way we can monitor what’s going on in our community and how we can get back to work as quickly as possible,” said Michael Naft, Clark County commissioner.
The venue and the process looks different. If you have symptoms upon arrival, you will go through a separate line for testing. Although officials say everyone tested is treated as if they are symptomatic.
They get a sticker at registration, then move through socially distant lines. And here's the big change, tests will be self-administered, guided by a doctor.
The testing site is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And as cases climb and testing increases, Dr. Luis Medina-Garcia, infectious disease physician with UMC has a reminder.
“Continue your efforts in wearing a mask, socially distance, stay home if you’re sick and seek care when you feel ill.”
Officials are encouraging people to self-schedule their appointments for better efficiency and wait times. They are also still taking walk-ups on a first-come, first-serve basis. Though, expect walk-up wait times to be longer. To make an appointment, click here.
