By Cecily Jackson
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday announced that the Maryland Department of Health will open additional drive-through testing sites at converted Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations this week.
As Maryland continues to expand its COVID-19 testing capacity, the new testing sites will operate on an appointment-only basis at VEIP stations in Owings Mills in Baltimore County and Prince Frederick in Calvert County, Hogan said.
With these additions, there will be a total of seven VEIP testing sites open statewide. Drive-through testing sites already operate in Bel Air in Harford County, Columbia in Howard County, Glen Burnie in Anne Arundel County, Waldorf in Charles County, and White Oak in Montgomery County. In the weeks ahead, Hogan said that COVID-19 test sites and hours will continue to be determined based on demand and the availability of supplies.
“The acquisition of test kits from South Korea is already helping to expand our testing capacity across the state,” said Hogan, referring to the 500,000 coronavirus test kits from LabGenomics. “Continuing to expand our testing capabilities even further in high-priority areas, including these drive-thru sites, is an essential part of our recovery plan.”
Tests will be offered on an appointment-only basis to Maryland residents who are symptomatic and at high risk for complications from COVID-19, officials explained. Patients must have a health care provider order and an appointment to be tested at a VEIP site.
To schedule a COVID-19 testing appointment at a VEIP site, individuals must first call a physician. Physicians will assist patients in ordering and scheduling a test online using CRISP, the state’s health information exchange. At BelAir, however, officials said physicians must schedule appointments via telephone hotline. Patients cannot order or schedule tests by themselves.
At each test site, individuals will remain in their vehicles with the windows rolled up until it is time to receive their test, officials said. Testing requires a clinician to insert a swab into the back of the person’s nostril for several seconds. Most individuals experience minor discomfort at most.
All tested individuals will receive information with further instructions at the test site and should continue to self-isolate at home while waiting for results, which should be available within two to five days.
MDH operates VEIP testing sites in conjunction with the state Department of Transportation, the National Guard, State Police, local health departments, and private partners. Several additional non-MDH testing sites are being operated throughout the state by local governments and private organizations. For more information or to schedule a testing appointment at a non-MDH testing site, contact the site directly.