NEW CUMBERLAND -- Officials with the Hancock County Health Department have announced it will be conducting drive-up testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus this week and is taking calls from people who believe they should be tested.
Jackie Huff, the health department's administrator, said such individuals should call (304) 564-3343 ext. 125 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Huff said they will be asked questions aimed at determining if they meet the recommended criteria for receiving the tests.
She said while a limited number of tests are available, she believes the Hancock department will have a supply sufficient for testing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday if needed.
Huff said those who meet the criteria will be instructed the time and location for the tests, which she didn't disclose to protect the confidentiality of those being tested.
She said the tests will be administered to people from outside the county and state if they meet the criteria.
Aiding the Hancock health department with the tests are staff with the Brooke County Health Department, Hancock County Commission, office of emergency management and sheriff's department and local fire departments.
Mike Bolen, administrator of the Brooke County Health Department, said there are plans to offer testing in that county next week, with details to be announced.
"We'll do it the same exact way," Bolen said, noting a phone number will be established by which people will be interviewed to determine if they should be tested.
Public health officials have encouraged those experiencing fever, cough and shortness of breath; have visited an area where the virus is widespread and have had contact with someone who tested positive with the virus, to contact their doctor.
Bolen stressed only people experiencing symptoms associated with the virus at this time should seek a test.
"We have not had a great demand for the test. But the health departments are trying to take some of the load off hospitals performing them," he said.
The state health department has established a 24-hour hotline, at (800) 887-4304, for the public and medical providers to ask questions.
Information also can be found at www.coronavirus.wv.gov or www.cdc.gov/COVID19.