Greater Kingsport Family YMCA to offer free COVID testing to members and staff
The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA will provide free COVID-19 testing to its members, staff and the household of staff, beginning Monday, February 7.
With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in our area due in-part to the Omicron variation of the Coronavirus, the YMCA wants to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by providing access to testing in hopes that earlier detection can prevent staff and members from spreading the virus to the community.
“Staffing for programs and services at the Y has become increasingly difficult with employees being out sick over the winter months.” Kimberly ‘KC’ Cousineau, President and CEO explained. “Employees are concerned they may have COVID-19 but are having a difficult time getting tested and getting their results back in a timely manner. Employees do not want to risk getting other staff or members sick and face the tough decision of returning to work to support their families and potentially spreading the virus to someone else.”
The YMCA will provide Rapid Tests, which can provide results within 2 hours after taking the test, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests, which can provide results within 36 to 48 hours. Each test is provided to employees and members for free and at no additional cost to their membership.
YMCA staff and the household of staff can be tested Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
YMCA members can be tested on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Testing will take place inside the YMCA and anyone needing to be tested can enter the YMCA from the side entrance. Directional signs will be posted throughout the facility and in the parking lot to direct people to the correct location.
“Access to testing for our staff and members will allow the YMCA to have adequate staffing to provide necessary programs and services and will create a healthier atmosphere where our members feel safe and welcome to come to.” KC says. “The YMCA wants to continue to do their part in creating a healthier Kingsport and hope that this step can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
For more information about testing at the YMCA please contact 423.247.9622.