INDIANAPOLIS — For the past several weeks, coronavirus testing in Indiana has mainly focused on the most vulnerable as well as first responders and healthcare professionals. An Indianapolis doctor is taking it a step further.
Demand for COVID-19 testing is strong. Vehicles were lined up for 10 a.m. Wednesday seeking the screening. It's the second time this week it's been offered to the public. There was a less visible testing site on Saturday.
"People need access to screening and testing and it's important that they get that," Dr. Dorian Kenleigh said. "Certainly I'm not the only one doing it if this is the demand."
Kenleigh is working with Texas-based AIT Labs which is providing the test kits. Each person who rolled through the drive-thru testing site paid $100 for the exam. The test involves inserting a swab in a person's nose to determine if they have the virus. Results are back within 48 hours.
"Especially that we now had approval for the rapid tests it's going to be easy to provide that kind of screening and reassurance for folks," Kenleigh said. "It helps from overwhelming the ERs."
Kenleigh said he has the potential to get hundreds of test kits. His goal is to run drive thru test sites six days a week at different locations around the city.
The testing at the current site, however, could hit a snag. Call 6 Investigates has learned the city's Department of Business and Neighborhood Services said the site the doctor is using is not zoned for that type of use. The city said it is currently not performing zoning violation inspections due to the pandemic. The city will let the Marion County Public Health Deparment make the final call.
RTV6 is waiting for a response.
Testing at the site, 1400 E. 12th St., is set to resume from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
