A COVID-19 testing site has opened at the Nittany Mall – for free! With everyone struggling to go back to their normal lives and flu season coming up, people are going to get sick. Of course, both the common cold and the flu both have the same set of symptoms as the coronavirus. So, if you find yourself bedridden with a bad cough and sore throat, you can go and get tested.

With coronavirus cases on the rise, it is only natural and correct to have a free testing site located in State College. The site will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and you are able to go now if you wanted. All you have to do is drive up and wait your turn. They do the test by doing a nasopharyngeal swab. They put a six inch swab up your nose and swab in the inside of your mouth for about 15 seconds. Alyssa Limbaugh, 23, recently went to go get tested. She says that “it’s over before you know it, and definitely not painful like I’ve heard some say it is.” She is currently waiting for results.

They say that you will receive results within a day to a week. If you are having symptoms, it is recommended to get tested immediately, and while you are waiting for results, self isolate yourself in your home. It is extremely important that we, as a small area, contain the virus to the best of our ability. So, if you do have symptoms, skip school and get tested right away. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Coronavirus cases in Centre County have reached over 2,400. If you are showing symptoms, go get tested and read this form for more information while you wait for results. Stay safe Penns Valley!