Antibody Screening Added To Vernon Coronavirus Testing

VERNON, CT — The Town of Vernon and Priority Urgent Care have announced that those seeking seeking coronavirus testing will have the option to be screened for the antibody to determine prior exposure to the virus.

The antibody testing is performed as a blood draw and results are typically available within

48 hours.

All coronavirus testing is available to anyone regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Testing sites are :

Every Tuesday St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard’s Terrace

• Drive-up testing only from 9 10 a.m.
• Walk-up testing only from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Every Thursday Vernon Senior Center, 135 Bolton Road

• Drive-up testing only from 9 to 11 a.m.

Pre-screening is strongly encouraged to expedite the testing process and can be done through
telemedicine evaluation by contacting Priority Urgent Care at (860) 454-0678 or www.priorityuc.com.

"Since May, the Town of Vernon has offered weekly COVID-19 testing," Vernon Mayor Daniel
Champagne said. "Priority Urgent Care has been a valuable partner to the Town as we implement innovative solutions that increase access, reduce barriers and make testing more efficient and convenient."

"Antibody testing plays an important role in understanding the spread of the disease and assists us in identifying those who have been infected by COVID-19 in the past few months” said Dr. Daksh Rampal, MD, the medical director and Priority Urgent Care co-founder. "Through a blood draw, we are able to detect the presence of antibodies which means there may now be some level of immunity to the virus. This will become very useful information when and if a vaccine becomes available. By following the CDC's guidance, employing social distancing measures and now with the added benefit of antibody testing, we can help stop the spread of COVID-19 more effectively and safely move our communities forward together."

"In our fight against COVID-19, we need to be armed with every available tool. Antibody testing helps us learn more about the virus and is a part of the Town’s comprehensive response and recovery plan," said Michael J. Purcaro, Vernon's town administrator. "Throughout this pandemic, our coordinated approach has assisted residents by providing sustainable solutions that safeguard public health and welfare. We will continue to advocate for our community in ways that are safe, effective, and responsible."

For more information about antibody testing, please visit the CDC website at
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antibody-tests-guidelines.html.