Both are operated by Capstone Clinic. (Bill Roth / ADN). At-home antigen tests are a reliable first choice for getting tested. The states guidelines for asymptomatic and unvaccinated people may include testing for routine screening as required by local communities, when admitted to health care facility, residents and staff in certain healthcare settings and workers in congregate settings. 0000038720 00000 n People want a personal connection to where they go, so we try to be part of the community and participate in community events. Thats the straw that broke the camels back, he said. ?#09y^^O\.1Wq]. In addition, both the Changepoint Church (6689 Changepoint Drive) and the Z.J. Because if the money runs out, theres no testing between (Oct.) 18 and 26., Corey Allen Young, spokesman for Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, said that the administration would be submitting a request for additional funding to the Anchorage Assembly in the near future.. 0000070951 00000 n 0000026159 00000 n But Gray said that the company assured Anchorage officials it has the capacity to handle Anchorages tests. He was previously the director of operations at Visit Healthcare. First Name. 0000167266 00000 n Im actually ensuring that, Gerace said. Alarmingly, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are at the highest levels yet in Anchorage," said Bill Falsey, Incident Commander at the Emergency Operations Center. Just this past Monday, onAugust 9, we saw the highest level of tests administered at the drive-through sites, totaling more than 1,100. Testing volume now is different from when the city extended the contract over the summer, Gerace said. After putting the contract out for bid, the city settled on a California company, Visit Healthcare as part of a $5.5 million, three-month contract paid for with money from FEMA. Reach him at ltreinen@gmail.com. Changepoint Church 353 12,510 Eagle River 0 4,798 Fairview Recreation Center 0 1,831 . 0000034160 00000 n 0000020578 00000 n In addition to these five testing sites, Visit Healthcare will be performing regular, organized testing in congregate living facilities and for essential workers across the Municipality. We are here to help you and your family navigate through all of life's changes. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Visit Healthcare testing sites, which thus far have been used by the Municipality of Anchorage to administer COVID-19 tests to residents, are slowly being changed over as Capstone Family Medicine based out of Wasilla is coming in to take them over. 0000071258 00000 n Containing the virus helps protect hospital capacity and makes it possible for Anchorage to operate at a level closer to normal, Falsey said. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. =14 S(~hc)LB$.oq|83564++S=T2T"5w'I${m5@UkEhO=>t=,YH46% h5}"81w{R3nES`UM]WzA0KKy3]3{Sg@ A health care professional may ask you to get tested in certain situations. RELATED: Anchorage Assembly members concerned over city health departments communication, readiness for omicron. MbREsMqU . If a test is not done properly, or if you are in an early stage of infection or already partially recovered, your swab sample might not contain enough viral material to come back positive. 0000016016 00000 n Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself. The five testing sites will be located in the parking lots of the following: ChangePoint Church, 6689 Changepoint Drive. See theCDCs latest travel guidance. Loussac Library (3600 Denali Street) testing locations will now be open four days a week to include Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. She said the department was not excluding anyone from those testing sites. At-home tests can be purchased at stores, pharmacies, or online. Instructions: The tests are free to the public, and referrals arent required. For more COVID-19 testing information visit www.muni.org/COVID-19. Anyone with any symptom of COVID-19 should get tested as soon as possible. 0000070468 00000 n The changes come at a moment when, according to state and city data, Anchorage is seeing its highest percentages of tests returning positive results since the start of the pandemic. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ).push(); Resource: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/. The five sites are in addition to the existing Lake Otis Parkway testing location operated by Providence Health & Services Alaska. 0000070215 00000 n Changepoint Church: Another long-running but busy location. If you have any questions, call 928-537-5315 ext. Loussac Library 3600 Denali St Changepoint Church 6689 Changepoint Dr . RELATED: Anchorage School District again delays the start of sports. She also called states testing guidance a little bit more extensive.. Symptoms include fever (over 100 F) or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pressure or tightness, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. (More details on specific locations below.). He said the city will update its guidelines on the testing locations website to be clearer about who should and should not get tested. 0000031583 00000 n With the trend of increasing cases, and especially as we enter cold and flu season in the coming months, we hope that our testing sites will provide the people of Anchorage the ability to make sure they are not infected, and if they are, to take appropriate action.". Address: 5000 W International Airport Rd. Its now at 7%. 0000049517 00000 n The new testing sites will also test asymptomatic individuals, or those who think they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are not showing symptoms. Were happy to entertain those requests.. People tend to be the most contagious during the first several days after they get the first symptom and can be contagious before they get any symptoms. (Bill Roth / ADN). You can drive to their location next to Home Depot, fill out the online form and wait until youre called up to a parking spot in front of the building. The five testing sites will be located in the parking lots of the following: ChangePoint Church, 6689 Changepoint Drive Fairview Community Recreation Center, 1121 East 10 th Avenue Anchorage Church of Christ, 2700 Debarr Road Given the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in Anchorage, residents should continue to keep 6 feet apart from non-household members, wear a mask or cloth face covering in public settings, wash hands often, avoid large gatherings, and keep social bubbles small. The Municipality of Anchorage is adding five new drive-thru sites where people can test for COVID-19 starting Friday. Emergency warning signs include*: *This list is not all inclusive. August 12, 2021 by Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media. 0000077852 00000 n Theyre not quite as accurate as lab tests, but if you take the two tests that come in the kit at least 24-hours apart, experts say theyre highly effective at catching cases of COVID. In a memo to the Anchorage Assemblys health policy committee last week, Anchorage Health Department chief medical officer Dr. Michael Savitt wrote that between Sept. 23 and 29, the citys percent positivity was 9%. The percentage of positive cases is also climbing. Lakeside, AZ 85929 We invite you to write a letter to the editor or reach out directly if youd like to communicate with us about a particular article. Laboratory PCR tests are still available at many pharmacies, health care offices, urgent cares, private testing sites and at some schools or community testing sites. Our organization is committed to building life-changing connections to Inspire Change, Empower Individuals and Improve Lives in the communities we serve. Before joining the ADN, she interned for The Washington Post. False positives are rare, but false negatives can occur. trailer <<90F80278AF434A43BB458E5FEABD2F3F>]/Prev 172711/XRefStm 2198>> startxref 0 %%EOF 251 0 obj <>stream When we contain the spread of this virus, we preserve vital hospital capacity, save lives, and make it possible for Anchorage to operate at a level closer to normal.. ANCHORAGE, AK - On Friday, July 31, the Municipality of Anchorage will open five new COVID-19 testing sites. Alarmingly, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are at the highest levels yet in Anchorage, Bill Falsey, incident commander at the emergency operations center, said in a statement. Here are some testing programs to know about: Order free at-home tests online or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). The new testing sites will also test asymptomatic individuals, or those who think they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are not showing symptoms. 0000055993 00000 n If you get a positive test, its recommended you isolate and confirm it with a lab test. We want you to know God and discover who He created you to be. If you are symptomatic, you can call 907-694-9567 and staff will come out and test you in a parked vehicle. Testing may be required or recommended before and/or after travel. 1920 W. Commerce Drive Wilson Platt drove up to an Anchorage COVID-19 test site almost an hour before it opened Monday morning. 0000047656 00000 n Anyone can get tested, regardless of whether theyre showing symptoms.. State Health Department: https://www.muni.org/departments/health/Pages/default.aspx, Latest Information Received: 10/1/2020 17:22. The tests are free to the public, and . Lex Treinen, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage, omicron-fueled spike in COVID-19 cases is gripping Alaska, More Alaska health care workers are out sick or in quarantine as omicron hits, COVID surge in Kodiak is taking a toll on schools, high school moves online, Army grounds aviators for training after fatal crashes in Alaska and Kentucky, How do electric vehicles perform in Alaska? Holbrook Outpatient Clinic 103 N. 1st Ave Holbrook, AZ 86025. 0000072159 00000 n 0000025273 00000 n The busiest sites are the Loussac Library and Changepoint Church, where some people have reported waiting an hour. If you notice even mild symptoms, you should get tested. 2020 Anchorage COVID-19 Response Operational Period 45 7/2/21 - 7/29/21 . Days Activated: 2732020 Anchorage COVID-19 ResponseOperational Period 33: 11/7/20 - 12/5/20 Municipality of Anchorage Cases, Testing Data, Hospital Data, and Roadmap to Reopening Stoplights EOC Operations and Anchorage Health Department Contact Tracing EOC Resource Requests, 211 Report, and Finance Status Report Changepoint Church - 6689 Changepoint Dr, Anchorage, AK 99518. An omicron-fueled spike in COVID-19 cases is gripping Alaska. Since the pandemic began, the state has conducted more than 2.73 million COVID-19 tests, and currently has a seven-day average positivity rate of 7.56%. Visit Healthcare runs many of the primary testing locations in the city, including those at the Loussac Library, Changepoint Church, Muldoon Community Assembly and the Eagle River site. 0000058734 00000 n But note: You need to schedule an appointment, often days in advance. 0000050280 00000 n click the icon above for additional OTC information. We offer hope for change, new beginnings, and personal growth to those we serve. Gerace said the city approached the vendor to ask for a price break on the tests, which cost $98 each, but they didnt provide it. Prevention. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, test 5 days after the exposure. Feeling Sick or Exposed to COVID-19 Now What? Until supplemental funding is secured, the Municipality of Anchorage is actively managing our current resources to continue testing through the end of the month, Young said in an email. Testing is an important tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. director of operations at Visit Healthcar. Lex Treinen, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage, Anchorage School District again delays the start of sports, Alaska to stop testing nonresident travelers for COVID-19 at airports, require negative result, Two Anchorage police officers indicted, suspended in alleged assault of man who frequently recorded police, Inequity in alcohol enforcement in Mertarvik and Newtok causes frustration, Army grounds aviators for training after fatal crashes in Alaska and Kentucky, How do electric vehicles perform in Alaska? Insurers, employers, taxpayers and other consumers will all be affected as drugmakers move these products to the commercial market in May. 0000072272 00000 n Anchorage Health Department Director Joe Gerace said the testing centers operated by the municipality have done more than 310,000 tests since the city has started a testing program. There is no cost for the test, and people are welcome to walk up, the emergency operations center said. Testing is available 24 hours a day at the Ted Stevens International Airport baggage claim. All rights reserved. If you developemergency warning signsfor COVID-19 getmedical attention immediately. All Rights Reserved Find where to get a free COVID test in Anchorage. All rights reserved. Working with states, counties, government agencies, schools, organizations, and private industry, Visit deploys teams of licensed medical professionals and vital logistics staff for high-volume testing across the U.S. Municipality of Anchorage Emergency Operations Center contact: Audrey Gray, Public Information Officer, Office of Emergency Management, (907) 343-1414, audrey.gray@anchorageak.gov, Municipality of Anchorage to Open Five Additional Testing Sites, ChangePoint Church, 6689 Changepoint Drive, Fairview Community Recreation Center, 1121 East 10, Anchorage Church of Christ, 2700 Debarr Road, Muldoon Community Assembly, 7041 Debarr Road. So far this month, the citys drive-through sites are averaging about 750 tests per day, said Christy Lawton, the Municipalitys Public Health Division manager. Established in 1989. Additionally, starting Friday, Visit Healthcare will scale back hours at several sites around the city by 108 hours each week, the company said. Tests at the new locations will be free and open to the public three days a week and do not require a referral from a doctor. The guidance from the city absolutely, completely aligns with the state guidance, the states chief medical officer, Dr. Anne Zink, said in a call with reporters Thursday. 0000061582 00000 n 0000061993 00000 n Testing is reimbursable by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it has to be both fair and equitable and also comply with CDC guidelines, according to Gerace. Free testing is also available at Walgreens. Whether you are a client, community member, partner, or staff, ChangePoint is committed to being that place where change can begin. 0000038832 00000 n The five testing sites will be located in the parking lots of the following: ChangePoint Church, 6689 Changepoint Drive, Fairview Community Recreation Center, 1121 East 10th Avenue, Anchorage Church of Christ, 2700 Debarr Road, Muldoon Community Assembly, 7041 Debarr Road, Z.J. There are also several smaller private clinics where you can get a free COVID test, even if you dont have insurance. Make an appointment online here. Demand for COVID-19 testing is soaring inAnchorage. ;qB.q$oRb{`gZ+I^e~k'|~_7ov5hkf}~g_t}O~{"xl=;-?0"eAW_W{CNSo_]ob=Uz6}#}=:w~ge/6gmmKue~ma7JW~goz.~|0gZqThyyPEo7_^bsX@F*x4+~=6Ru=-17L-sBLyZ&A[@ 1y8'tb;;nDep7lkTnNp;PLmm0C}]F[4X -7)1#&Bhuz;s nCsMLQZvjwC*lB50l@>V>Vq This site is not recommended for people needing a COVID-19 test before a medical procedure. Referral from a clinician is not required at the five new locations. Given recent and significant increases in testing, the funding for tests is beginning to run out, Gerace said. Phone: (928) 587-3435 Visit Healthcare employee Heather Pilcher conducts a nasal swab at a COVID-19 testing site at the Loussac Library on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 in Anchorage. 0000036119 00000 n Hospital Dashboard. 0000001876 00000 n It is helpful to have a few of these tests in your home so they are available as soon as you need one. they were still sitting in their pickup truck near ChangePoint Church, waiting to get . Capstone Clinic, the main tester in Anchorage, is also posting daily updates with predicted wait times on its Facebook page. Visit Healthcare is committed to slowing the spread of COVID-19, one VISIT at a time. 0000071089 00000 n The closed, free testing locations run by Capstone are at the Alaska Airlines Center, Changepoint Church and off the Old Glenn Hwy in Eagle River. In June, the Mayors Office and the Anchorage Health Department convened a working group of community experts, which included representatives from the State of Alaska, Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska Regional Hospital, Arctic Investigation Program, the Alaska Hospitalist Group, Medical Park Primary Care, and the University of Alaska Anchorage to develop a testing strategy for the Municipality of Anchorage. [Because of a high volume of comments requiring moderation, we are temporarily disabling comments on many of our articles so editors can focus on the coronavirus crisis and other coverage. 0000071598 00000 n 0000050365 00000 n Jul 30, 2020 | COVID-19, Healthcare, News, Nonprofits. Fairview Community Rec Center 1121 East 10th Ave WEDNESDAY ONLY COMMUNITY COVID-19 TESTING to SIGN . 0000072081 00000 n Capstone at C Street: This site has gotten a lot more traffic in the last few days, but wait times have generally still been shorter than at the Alaska Airlines Center. 0000025720 00000 n The piece that we really want to make sure is that the people that need the test have those services available to them, Gerace said. ChangePoint offers services throughout the White Mountain area, providing a wide range of integrated behavioral health and medical care services including counseling, substance abuse treatment, psychiatry, therapeutic foster care, housing programs, vocational rehabilitation, primary medical care, and much more. MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11801 Business Blvd Eagle River MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY Z.J. Whether you take a COVID-19 test at home or at a testing site, any positive test result is very reliable evidence that you have COVID-19. Symptoms include fever (over 100 F) or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pressure or tightness, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Holbrook, AZ 86025, 2500 E. Show Low Lake Rd People wait to be swabbed at the Visit Healthcare free COVID-19 community test site at the Loussac Library on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. 0000002531 00000 n Jul 30, 2020 | COVID-19, Healthcare, News, Nonprofits. It might be best to make this site a last resort. Meanwhile, a site on C Street (which replaced the previous site at the Loussac Library) was reporting lines of about an hour as of Monday, Jan. 10. 0000047539 00000 n Beacon at Tudor and Old Seward: Anchorages newest test option is another good choice for people with COVID symptoms or known exposure. God wants to transform our lives daily, giving us joy and freedom as we follow his son, Jesus Christ. Wait times on Monday, Jan. 10, were reportedly as long as three hours. (Note: you may be able to get reimbursed for the costs of these tests through your health insurance or through the. 0000038538 00000 n Test immediately if you have COVID-19 symptoms. | Alaska Insight, Litter of wolverine kits brings adorable triple threat to Alaska Zoo. The Municipality encourages anyone with even mild symptoms or who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 to get tested. CuM^XK}]AM=DRi',!8He[HjR)6*jlysZoB8pOEchsY Dj{(:RDFiBfa),P The sites are set to be open three days a week, including Mondays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Fridays from noon to 8 p.m. Before joining the ADN, she interned for The Washington Post. . 0000071034 00000 n 0000035846 00000 n 0000070091 00000 n to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tests will be free to the public. In June, the Mayor's Office and the Anchorage Health Department convened a working group of community experts, which included representatives from the State of Alaska, Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska Regional Hospital, Arctic Investigation Program, the Alaska Hospitalist Group, Medical Park Primary Care, and the University of Alaska Anchorage to develop a testing strategy for the Municipality of Anchorage. The five sites are in addition to the existing Lake Otis Parkway testing location operated by Providence Health & Services Alaska. Increased testing capacity leads to quicker identification of cases and more effective disease containment. Call Website Do a Self Check-Up Order Masks. ( Anchorage Daily News) With COVID-19 hospitalizations at near-record levels, a gathering of vaccine skeptics is coming to Anchorage. For the most accurate results, follow the test instructions closely.