Hours-long lines seen at testing sites across the state

Coronavirus testing lines at facilities across the state continue to grow with some people waiting hours.

In Middletown on Wednesday, Channel 3’s Drone 3 captured long lines outside the Community Health Center.

More of the same was expected on Thursday.

“We are seeing positivity rates creep up and skyrocket in some cases, and I think people are worried and they want to know if they’re carrying COVID back to their families, their schools, their workplaces,” said Leslie Gianelli, Community Health Center.

The CHC has 13 testing sites and the one in Middletown is one of its busiest.

It said it provides free testing and people don’t need to have symptoms to be tested.

Testing started at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and beforehand, there were cars waiting all the way down the block. While it did move, there was a line all day.

Some waited for more than two hours. It’s possible to wait as long as three hours.

The CHC said it understood the frustrations with wait times and planned to put portable toilets on the site to make it easier while people wait.

“We are in the process of rolling out Porta Potties at our locations because we know that’s a big concern. People who are waiting in their cars for two or three hours, it’s difficult,” Gianelli said.

Jeff Woodcock was worried after learning a close family member tested positive. He said he waited for two hours at a testing site in Cromwell.

“I definitely realized the line was building up and was almost wrapped around the whole building. By the time it got towards 10 a.m., they got us through quick. As soon as 10 a.m. came around, they started sending cars around in two lanes. They were definitely efficient in handing out papers to sign and get all your information into the system,” Woodcock said.

Alternative testing locations are available around the state and places such as Urgent Cares and CVS. However, some may require appointments to be made in advance.