CLEVELAND — A new pilot program for rapid COVID-19 testing is being rolled out in Cuyahoga County to benefit essential public service workers and first responders such as police, firefighters, paramedics and jail guards.
“This rapid testing will allow us to test paramedics, police officers and others before they go into work and have the results in about 15 minutes,” said MetroHealth CEO and President Akram Boutros. “This will help limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community and is another example of MetroHealth working collaboratively to protect our neighbors.
According to MetroHealth, Cuyahoga County provided around $2.4 million through CARES Act funding. The money will be used on testing equipment and supplies as well as to send clinical teams out in the field to conduct the rapid tests at different workplaces across the county.
“Rapid testing is essential to us as we manage this phase of the COVID crisis,” Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish said. “We are pleased to support this rapid testing program. Every dollar spent on testing gets us closer to ending this national nightmare.”
MetroHealth and Cuyahoga County said the rapid tests will allow health officials to reduce the spread of the virus in high-risk environments and in situations where workers come in contact with the public.
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