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Penn State Health St. Joseph relocates and expands drive-thru COVID-19 testing

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Due to increased demand, Penn State Health St. Joseph will move its drive-thru COVID-19 testing site on Monday, Dec. 21, from the parking lot of its Bern Township campus at 2500 Bernville Road, to a dedicated location across the highway from the hospital at 2493 MacArthur Road. New hours for testing will be 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Patients who have been evaluated and given an order by a provider are eligible. No appointment is needed. Patients must present their doctor’s order, photo identification and insurance card, if applicable.

“On Dec. 1, our busiest day since testing began, our staff administered more than 700 COVID-19 tests through the hospital and our campus testing locations, a number that reflects the recent surge we’re seeing in the region,” said Dr. Jeffrey Held, vice president for medical affairs. “As those numbers continue to increase, moving the drive-thru location will allow us to streamline the process and avoid any unnecessary delays.”

St. Joseph also offers COVID-19 walk-up testing at its Downtown Reading campus, 145 N. 6th Street, from 1 to 4 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Patients should enter the building at the designated Walnut Street entrance.

COVID-19 may cause a wide range of symptoms, which may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, including:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Most people develop a mild illness. Some, particularly people older than 60, people with underlying health problems and pregnant women may experience more serious illness requiring hospital care.

Penn State Health recommends that anyone with concerns that they may have COVID-19 call their provider or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH, before going to a clinic, urgent care center or emergency department. They also may use Penn State Health OnDemand, a free virtual care app, to talk directly with a provider who can evaluate their symptoms and make care recommendations. Find out more here.

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