The Mercy COVID-19 testing site in Hillsboro, which has been open since March 25, will close Friday (April 17), said John Winkelman, spokesman for Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City.
Winkelman said the site, which is located at the Hillsboro Community Civic Club, 10349 Business 21, will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Friday and then will permanently close.
“We are so proud and appreciative of the cooperation we had with the Jefferson County Health Department, the city of Hillsboro and county administration in quickly getting the testing center open last month,” said Eric Ammons, Mercy Hospital Jefferson president. “Everyone has been helpful in making that site successful.”
Winkelman said the site will close to reduce the amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used and to better use resources and staff.
He also said the testing site isn’t being used as much as it had previously.
“The numbers that we've tested in the last few days have gone down significantly,” Winkelman said.
As of Tuesday (April 14), the site had tested 338 people, but since then, it had tested only about 12 more, he said today (April 16).
Winkelman said testing will now take place at a temporary acute care site outside the Mercy Urgent Care, 660A Truman Blvd., in Festus, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The site opened on March 27 to serve patients who have respiratory symptoms and are unable to see their regular physicians or do virtual visits with physicians.
Winkelman said those seeking care at the site must be referred by their doctors or receive clearance by calling ahead. The number for the acute care site is 636-931-3800.
Winkelman said patients wanting COVID-19 testing at the site must first call the Mercy Clinical Support Line at 314-251-0500.
To receive testing for the coronavirus, patients must have a fever of at least 100.4 degrees and respiratory symptoms, including cough or shortness of breath, or have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, Winkelman said.
