YRMC holds second weekend of Coronavirus testing at the Yuma Civic Center
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Week three of the Arizona Testing Blitz swung into action early this morning at drive-thru clinics across Yuma County.
Over at the Yuma Civic Center, testing started at 8 this morning. By 9:45, they were out of tests.
Not good news for those at the end of the line, but good news for the fight against Coronavirus.
YRMC has now screened 600 Yuma County residents.
“if you even feel a little bit sick than come on out and just do it. It doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t cost," said Alicia Franco, who received a Coronavirus test.
Dr. Trudie Milner is the Vice President of Operations for the hospital.
“Last Saturday we had a very large turn out and it looks like we have an even bigger turn out today.”
Some people reached the clinic before sunrise to make sure they got screened.
“The earliest person today arrived at 4:15," said Dr. Milner.
“We’ve had excellent support from the city, which have really helped with traffic control and made for a very efficient process for those people who want to come and be tested,” she added.
In spite of the hot Yuma sun, nurses and frontline medical personnel all wore the essential PPE (personal protective equipment). It's not too comfortable in the Arizona heat. Nurses say making victories in the fight against coronavirus is worth the discomfort.
Karen Stratton is the Director of the surgical clinc at YRMC.
“COVID-19, there’s a lot of things that we don’t yet know about it, but what we do know is that it spreads quickly and being able to know whether or not you’re positive will help protect the not only the community but your family. It’s a responsible thing to do,” said Stratton.
After each test is administered, nurses will take off their gloves, sanitize and re-glove for the next vehicle.
Sanitization after each sample is a key step in keeping both the public, and healthcare workers, safe.
The Arizona Testing Blitz initiative has been very successful in Yuma County. And while this is the last scheduled testing event for the hospital. YRMC will continue to look for more opportunities to provide testing.
“As the situation continues to evolve there are ongoing conversations about what would be the next right steps for us as an organization, for the city, and the governor’s office to support testing,” said Dr. Milner.
Also supporting their efforts, members of the community fearful for their health.
“I think it’s great, I think it’s awesome. We thank all the volunteers and everyone has come out to take care of this,” said Franco.
