Summary

The article describes a personal experience with COVID-19 testing at a National Guard Armory, emphasizing the ease and social aspects of the process.

Abstract

The author recounts their experience getting a COVID-19 test at a local National Guard Armory, detailing the simple paperwork, the efficient testing procedure, and the social interaction observed during the visit. Despite initial concerns about the test's discomfort and the potential for a long wait, the author found the process to be quick and relatively painless. The article highlights the unexpected benefit of human connection during the testing process, which stands out amidst the social distancing protocols of the pandemic. The author encourages others to get tested, noting the ease of the sign-up process and the importance of knowing one's COVID-19 status.

Opinions

The author initially had concerns about the testing process, including potential discomfort and long wait times.
The testing procedure was perceived as efficient and well-organized, with clear instructions and a quick turnaround.
The author notes a sense of community and human connection at the testing site, which was appreciated given the isolating nature of the pandemic.
The testing experience was not overly painful, with the author only experiencing slight eye-watering during the nasal swab.
The author reflects on the significance of the testing experience as the first physical contact with another person since the start of lockdown.
The article conveys a positive view of COVID-19 testing, emphasizing its importance and the ease of access, including the simplicity of online sign-up and state coverage for the test cost.

COVID-19 Testing is the Hip Place to Meet New Friends

I went to the National Guard Armory for my COVID-19 test today and found how if the test hurt and if I had to wait very long for it

COVID-19 testing is here. Photo by Chris Hedges (author).

COVID-19 testing is the place to be if you’ve been missing your fellow humans

I went for my COVID-19 test today at the local National Guard Armory.

I was a little worried because I was running late for my appointment with the test kit.

Since it is summer, there was the annual road work along the way that limited lanes and slowed traffic down. When I arrived, there were already three people filling out their paperwork and waiting to be taken into the testing site.

COVID-19 testing wasn’t too bad

I waited until the nurse at the door took a man inside the National Guard Armory — basically a big gym — and came back to give me a clipboard with paperwork to fill out.

The paperwork was simple. Just my name, birth date, a number from the testing lab’s computer that they had assigned me when I set up my appointment online, and a question of whether I was symptomatic or not.

I filled out my paperwork along with another woman while waiting.

More people pulled into the parking lot and lined up in a socially distant manner while awaiting to be check-in and to fill out their form.

A man who had been waiting when I arrived and had been ushered into the facility appeared at the “Out” door. The system was set up so that people entered one door and exited another to maintain space between people. Everyone was wearing a mask as soon as they exited their cars.

Luckily, my test kit wasn’t this heavy-duty. Photo by Science in HD on Unsplash

Inside the test zone

The nurse asked me to enter the test area when it was my turn after a mother and her teen son exited the armory. She told me to stand between two chairs that were set up in front of the check in desk. The nurse told me to not touch the glass that had been set up in front of the receptionist.

I held my paper up — the instructions had stated to print and write using large letters. I didn’t think about it at the time, but it made sense now that I was holding up the piece of paper for someone several feet away from me reading it.

The receptionist typed my information into the computer and printed out labels for the test kit. She handed me the test kit to give to another nurse who would administer the test. She also gave me an instruction sheet on what to do if I had symptoms and how to check for test results online at the website where I had set up my appointment.

Both nostrils?

The nurse administering the test waved to me to approach her, then pointed to an “X” taped on the floor. I stood at the “X.” The nurse asked me to move my mask downward so she could access my nose.

I closed my eyes. Would it hurt to be tested? I know from having blood drawn that the anticipation is worse than the actual test most of the time.

The nurse did a great job of inserting the test swab into my left nostril. She guided it back to my sinus area, but she was gentle so it didn’t hurt. I opened my eyes to see what was going on. She moved to my right side.

“We have to check the other nostril,” she said as I closed my eyes again.

She quickly swabbed my right nostril.

My eyes teared a little, but I didn’t feel any pain. The tears were similar to when sniffing in dust or some other irritant.

“Did it hurt?”

I put my mask and sunglasses back on and exited the test facility. When I was walking out of the door, I waved bye to a woman who had been waiting when I was waiting.

“Did it hurt?” she asked.

I told it didn’t, but my eyes watered a little bit.

She seemed relieved and I waved bye again and went to my car.

The first time I’ve been touched by someone since lockdown

I just realized this was the first time I have been touched by another person since lockdown. When I have gone to my son’s occupational and speech therapy clinic, the thermometer has been touchless. And, no one outside of my bubble has touched me and vice versa since the lockdown. I just realized that — even though it was a swab touching my nostrils.

Get tested

Check your local or state health department for testing information. It is better for the health folks and for you to know your COVID-19 status. The test is quick and easy — at least where I am. It is also covered by the state where I am as well. The paperwork and sign up online is simple and easier than many other things I have signed up for online.

Chris Hedges, BA (journalism and political science), JD, is editor of ILLUMINATION, The Bad Influence, and Red Curtain Erotica.

I also run the self-curation project at Publisher’s Spotlight where you can enter your Medium stories to curate them for people to find when searching the web. My personal website is at x29.co.