(Des Moines, IA) -- Unity Point Health-Des Moines is tightening it's policy for coronavirus testing. If you want a COVID test, but do not have symptoms, you'll need to get a home-test. Unity Point Health is no longer offering COVID-19 testing on a walk-in basis in their clinics.
Unity Point says those who test positive for coronavirus at home, do not need to visit a clinic to have their positive test confirmed. Those with symptoms who seek medical care, may be tested.
The change is due to a big increase in people without symptoms wanting a test. Area hospitals have been reporting long wait times in local emergency rooms and walk-in clinics, due to an increased demand for COVID testing.
Unity Point Health encourages those with COVID-19 symptoms to schedule an appointment with their primary care provider. If an appointment with a primary care provider is unavailable, visit an urgent care or express clinic.
Anyone with difficulty breathing, pain in their chest or other serious symptoms should go to the emergency department or call 911.