JOHNSTOWN — The city’s Price Chopper grocery store at the Johnstown Mall is one of five Market 32/Price Chopper stores offering a free COVID-19 testing program in its drive-thru pharmacies.
The Schenectady-based grocery chain announced Friday that it has formed a partnership with eTrueNorth and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to pilot a free COVID-19 testing program in five of its drive-thru pharmacies.
“We are pleased to extend our pharmacists’ expertise and the accessibility of our drive-thru locations to provide a convenient option for those seeking a COVID-19 test,” said Kathy Bryant, Market 32/Price Chopper vice president of pharmacy.
A Price Chopper news release indicated that pharmacists have been deemed “well positioned” by both federal and state health officials to facilitate COVID-19 testing for patients in the community and have been on the “forefront of changing health care needs” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The five participating Price Chopper/Market 32 pharmacies are located at: The Johnstown Price Chopper; Shoppers World Clifton Park; Market Bistro Latham; Fort Edward; and Oxford, Conn. stores. Testing appointments will be available Tuesday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m.
The release said the process is simple. Customers can register for a test at www.DoINeedACovid19Test.com and they will be directed to bring a voucher to one of the participating drive-thru pharmacy locations on a scheduled testing day.
The COVID-19 tests are self-administered, so customers will not need to leave their car. Pharmacists will counsel them and supervise the test through the drive-thru window. Customers will be notified by eTrueNorth of their results in three to five business days after the test.
“As temperatures drop and our communities cautiously head back to school, college and other seasonal activities, pharmacies are fielding more questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms and testing,” said Bryant. “This program connects customers to a safe testing option that produces timely results through their local community pharmacy drive-thru.”
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
