WESTON, W.Va. – Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital has worked in cooperation with the Lewis County Health Department to provide convenient COVID-19 testing for residents. A screening process was created to help people recognize the symptoms associated with the virus, and a hotline number – 304-517-1584 – was established to make a test reservation.

COVID-19 testing nurse Kristi Gannon noted that the COVID-19 testing began in March. At that time a person had to have symptoms of a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, to take advantage of the testing. Currently, it is not necessary to be symptomatic and the number of tests have increased substantially at Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital.

“One day last week we had fifty patients requesting the testing and it has increased every week. Most results are available in 24 to 48 hours and can be found on the patient portal. However, we do have the rapid test now available for those with symptoms,” explained Gannon. “It’s important to note that anyone can be tested now, and they can call the hotline number, Monday through Friday, to make an appointment.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the state, access to testing is important in containing the epidemic.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (current information can be found at https://dhhr.wv.gov/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx) announced on Saturday, December 12, 1,514 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the Mountain State, a new record single-day increase. As of December 15, there are currently 21,076 active cases in the state bringing the total to 64,394 total number of cases. There are 978 deaths attributed to the virus. In Lewis County, there are 90 active cases.

Gannon advised the public to call the Hotline at 304-517-1584 to take advantage of the Hospital testing, at the site located on the ground floor of SJMH. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

About Mon Health System: Mon Health System is an integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient centers and hospitals in North Central West Virginia that works together to make health care more accessible and affordable to the communities it serves. It includes four hospitals – its flagship, Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown; Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood; Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston; affiliate, Grafton City Hospital in Grafton; Mon Health Equipment & Supplies in Morgantown, Fairmont, and Weston; and The Village at Heritage Point. Mon Health System is also part of many Joint Ventures such as Healthworks, Acuity Hospital of Morgantown, Monongalia EMS, Amedisys Hospice, Care Partners, Encompass and the Mon Health Center for Outpatient Surgery to preserve choice, improve access and ensure the highest quality of care. For more information, visit monhealth.com.