Coronavirus Latest: New Walk-Up Testing Site Opens In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A new walk-up coronavirus testing site opened in Annapolis Monday.

The testing site at the Parole Health Center, 1950 Drew Street, had a limited number of tests available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Unlike numerous other testing sites across Maryland, the new site in Annapolis does not require people to have a doctor's referral to show up.

Lorenza Robles and her mother were some of the dozens who showed up to be tested. Robles said her mother wanted peace of mind.

"She just wants to protect us, to make sure everything's okay," Robles said. She (doesn't) want nothing to happen to us."

While initially only patients with symptoms could make an appointment, the health department didn't turn anyone away.

Robes and her family will have their results by Wednesday.

"When we get the results back, we talk to them. Even if they test negative we still talk to him about isolation, and if they test positive we have that conversation and will do contract tracing," Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, the county's health officer said.

Officials planned to test 20 to 25 people but ended up testing 139.

Sporting a mask made by a local surf shop, Mayor Gavin Buckley said marginalized communities are getting hit hardest which is why the county wants to test as many people as possible.

"No one is judging you," he said. "It's all in the best interest of the community and the world that we get as many people tested as possible."

CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:

• Walk-Up COVID-19 Testing Site Will Open Monday In Annapolis
• Coronavirus Resources: How To Get Help In Maryland
• What We Know About Coronavirus In Maryland
• Latest coronavirus stories from WJZ

For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.

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