LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — More people can now get tested at Rite Aid pharmacies in our area.
The company, which began operating free testing sites like the one in Plains Township last month, is now expanding its testing and for the first time allowing people without COVID-19 symptoms to get tested.
Up until now, you had to be showing symptoms of the virus.
Rite Aid is also adding 46 more free testing sites starting Monday.
Last month, Rite Aid began COVID-19 testing with a drive-up site at its location on River Street in Plains Township.
"We've learned in the world of COVID testing as we sort of navigate this whole landscape; it's a moving target with who we want to test and sort of what the goals of testing are," said Chris Altman, clinical programs manager.
Starting on Monday, you will be able to register for testing without symptoms.
"To really get a good handle on what it looks like in the communities as far as disease prevalence - who's got it, who doesn't have it, to understand really what are the next steps from a community perspective as it relates to COVID,"
A questionnaire will make sure you meet the CDC requirements for testing, asking possible exposure to the virus and your travel. Researchers will be able to use the information to learn more about the virus.
"We are able to use that to sort of look globally what are the risk factors for individuals that are testing positive, and is there something there that will help us better understand the disease progress."
A new Rite Aid testing site in East Stroudsburg will open on Sunday. That test site will also be for people with or without symptoms.