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Free COVID-19 Testing Clinic Returning to Nittany Mall

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A free COVID-19 testing site will return to the Nittany Mall next.

Centre County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a contract with AMI Expeditionary Healthcare to operate the walk-in clinic between Oct. 27 and Nov. 14. 

AMI previously performed free testing at the mall between Sept. 25-Oct. 10 under contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to provide testing in communities in need across Pennsylvania.

For the coming weeks, the testing clinic will be located inside the former Bon-Ton, which can be accessed from outside without having to go through the mall. County Administrator Margaret Gray said the move indoors was made because of the change in weather.

Anyone of any age can be tested for free. No appointments will be necessary, but a photo-ID or insurance card is required. Hours will be 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on the following days:

Week 1 – Tuesday, Oct. 27 through Saturday, Oct. 31

Week 2 – Monday, Nov. 2; Wednesday Nov. 4 through Saturday, Nov. 7

Week 3 – Tuesday Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 14

The contract approved by the commissioners is for no more than $258,911 and will be funded through money set aside from the county’s $14.7 million CARES Act block grant. 

Gray said the contract is based on up to 300 tests per day — ‘a pretty ambitious number’ — and the county will pay less if fewer tests are administered.

‘It never got close to that when we were testing for 12 hours a day, so it is highly unlikely we would reach that,’ Gray said.

Though the number of COVID-19 cases have declined in recent weeks, Commissioners said there are multiple reasons for having the free testing site. 

‘For all of the care workers in the county, especially the ones who work for smaller agencies or independent, this is a great convenient way for you to assure your clients and your friends that at that point you do not have COVID,’ Commissioner Mark Higgins said.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Pipe added that with the onset of cold and flu season, it will offer a convenient opportunity for residents with symptoms to determine if they have COVID-19. It also provides an option for those without health insurance who may not be able to afford a test.

Pipe said there is also some concern that with Penn State football’s season starting, gatherings are discouraged, but may still occur and increase the spread of the virus.

‘We love the fact that cases are decreasing and there is a decline,’ Pipe said. ‘But this isn’t the time to let up on the gas. It’s to make sure we have the resources available.’

The commissioners will consider whether to extend the clinic beyond Nov. 14.