Citizens Bank Park was supposed to host Phillies games starting in less than two weeks; instead, it will be home to a drive-through COVID-19 testing site.
In less than two weeks, Citizens Bank Park was supposed to host the Philadelphia Phillies’ home opener. Rather, the venue will be a testing site amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Friday, the City of Philadelphia — in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency — announced the opening of the community-based, drive-through COVID-19 testing site outside the venue serving “identified members of the public.”
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The testing site will be open seven days a week from 2-6 p.m., “as long as supplies allow.” While open to the public, the site has limited testing capacity. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has detailed strict eligibility criteria for admission to the following groups of people who display symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath):
- People who are over 50 years of age
- Healthcare workers, including:
- Hospital and doctors office staff with direct patient contact
- Nursing home staff with direct patient contact
- People who perform Emergency Medical Services duties
- Home healthcare staff with direct patient contact
Standing next to Philadelphia Fire Commissioner @ThielAdam, Philly Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley says there are about 2,500 COVID-19 testing kits available at site. Medical workers will see people daily at Citizens Bank Park from 2-6pm until kits run out
— Chantee Lans (@ChanteeLans) March 20, 2020
@CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/udNXx2EIPvThe Health Department will expand these criteria if testing capacity is increased.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley says, “Our top priority will be healthcare workers with symptoms, because nobody wants to be treated by a healthcare worker who is carrying this virus.”
And, while a doctor’s note or prescription is not required for entry at the drive-through site, a four-wheel, closed-top, non-commercial, non-recreational vehicle is required. Walk-ins will not granted entry.
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Bringing a government ID, health care facility ID, or an insurance card will not be required, however it could make testing easier, NBC Sports Philadelphia reports according Mayor Jim Kenney’s office, adding, “No appointment is necessary, but city leaders warn the process will be time-consuming and some might be turned away.”
The City recommends that anyone not eligible to go to the testing site at Citizens Bank Park who has COVID-19 symptoms contact their healthcare provider to determine other sites where they can tested.
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