Rite Aid conducts COVID-19 testing at Peach Street location

Nick Warren

Rite Aid is expanding COVID-19 testing by conducting on-site testing at the 5430 Peach St. location, opening Wednesday.

Testing will take place via a drive-thru set up in the Rite Aid's parking lot and will be available at no cost to eligible individuals. Patients must be at least 18 years old, provide a government-issued identification, and pre-register online.

The registration online has a built-in screener that determines eligibility, using criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This added measure comes in conjunction with directions from the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

State Rep. Ryan Bizarro (D) said in a statement that he is hoping to increase testing in the region.

"Expanding testing capacity will strengthen Erie's efforts in combating COVID-19," Bizzaro said. "The more testing sites available, the easier it will be for our family, friends and neighbors to get tested and determine a plan of action in getting healthy."

Bizzaro continued by emphasizing that although testing is expanding, he encourages everyone to stay home, stating that, "Going out unnecessarily will only extend the hold this virus has on our community."

Rite Aid will provide testing daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of May. Rite Aid pharmacists will oversee the testing sites to ensure proper safety measures are followed. Beginning Tuesday, April 21, community members can make an appointment online through the website www.riteaid.com.