Buzz
When your child is unwell, your entire schedule can quickly be disrupted. You might choose to keep them at home from school, or perhaps take the day off work yourself. In 2020, an additional question arises: where can I take my child for a COVID test?
Reading her post, I realized I have no idea where I would go for a test if one of my kids needed one. A simple search on Google reveals that answering this question is not straightforward. The Health Resources and Services Administration (hrsa.gov) offers a testing site locator, but the information is scarce. To know whether the site tests children or the general public, you must visit the websites or call them individually.
The CDC advises reaching out to your local or state health department, and provides this directory of health departments. However, finding nearby testing locations remains challenging, and it’s even harder to locate one that accommodates children, particularly young ones.
I decided to take on a small research task, starting with a Google search to figure out where I could take my child for a test if needed. I didn't find a clear answer, but I did compile a list of places I could contact. It's disheartening that in the midst of a pandemic, when schools are reopening, it's so difficult to get a test. My kids' school has stated that they will close if a certain number of cases are reported in the building, but with testing being such a challenge, how will they even know how many cases there are?
Here's another tip, which might give you the most dependable answer: call your child’s pediatrician. They’ll be familiar with nearby testing locations and will let you know if a referral or appointment is necessary. If your child has an upcoming appointment, ask now where testing can be done if needed. That way, you’ll be ready in case you need to adjust your schedule to visit a distant testing center or make an early appointment. Parenting during a pandemic is tough, but it’s worth being prepared for these situations.
