Mercy Transitions Jefferson County’s COVID-19 Test Collection Site

Apr 16, 2020 @ 1:44pm

(Festus) After more than three weeks of service to the community, the temporary COVID-19 test collection site located at the Hillsboro Community Civic Club on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds will be transitioning to the new drive-through dedicated care area established at Mercy Urgent Care in Festus.

John Winkelman with Mercy Hospital in Festus says they made this move to utilize all of their resources.

In addition to providing COVID-19 testing, the new temporary acute care site has a doctor or nurse practitioner to assess a patient’s symptoms.

Because it’s open seven days a week, Winkelman says area residents will have more opportunity to get appointments to be seen.

The dedicated space in Festus is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Patients with respiratory illnesses who need to care that cannot be provided virtually or in their homes will be directed to the location by their primary care physician.

The area is for these referrals only in order to keep care teams and patients safe, as well as ensure patients are served in a timely manner.

Referrals for COVID-19 testing are required through the Mercy Clinical Support Line at 314-251- 0500.The Hillsboro test collection site will schedule appointments through noon Friday, but beginning Saturday all patients will be directed to 660A Truman Blvd., in Festus.

Health department guidelines for testing require a fever of at least 100.4 degrees and respiratory symptoms including cough or shortness of breath or contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient.