Getting Tested for COVID at Tri-C
By Michael Schraner
Coronavirus and the problems the pandemic presents are very troubling for many people, so it is important that you take precautions and of course, get tested. Luckily for students at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), you can get walk-up testing for free by visiting certain Tri-C campuses at designated times. “Even if you’re not sure if you came in contact, you should still get tested if it’s available,” says Christina Ahlers, a nurse who helps administer the free tests at Tri-C.
Some students aren’t too sure about getting tested at Tri-C. Mohammad Zaied, a student at Tri-C said, “I don’t think I’d trust a free test given by Tri-C.”
In response to this, nurse Ahlers said “the test we give is going to be the same test you’re going to get from anyone anywhere”. Of course, Tri-C isn’t testing people for COVID-19, it’s simply the location, instead, the tests are given by third party “Care Alliance”.
But the students who have received the test had great reviews. “Everything about the test felt safe,” relayed Amahd Zaied, a student who had gotten tested at Tri-C, “it was outside, everyone wore masks and distanced themselves, and the nurses were very friendly”
When asked what he would say to someone who hasn’t gotten tested he responded, “oh you should for sure get a test, especially if you came in contact with someone who tested positive or you’re starting to feel symptoms.” He also stated, “it’s quick and easy, they just ask you a few questions, shove a cue tip up your nose, and then a week later you get the results.”
There are, of course, many students who want to get tested. “I came in contact with someone not too long ago. I don’t have any symptoms but it’s better safe than sorry” Said Andrew Cooper. he also said, “it’s also so convenient especially if you spend time on campus because it’s just right there.”
The COVID-19 pandemic is something that few medical professionals have ever seen before, “I’ve never seen anything like this, my colleagues have never seen anything like this, doctors have never seen anything like this, no one has ever seen anything like this” nurse Ahlers said, “the best way to learn as a nurse is through experience, and everyone in the medical field is learning right now because this is a whole new experience for everyone”
When asked what the general public should do to stay safe, she informed, “wash your hands, wear a mask, and most importantly social distance. If you don’t have to be somewhere then you really shouldn’t go, but if you do go somewhere you should make sure you have your mask.”
