Area residents in need of a COVID-19 test have several options and, for those who don’t need a test right now, the federal government is offering all households up to four free at-home tests to be used when needed.

In Blair County, a drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic will be held in the parking lot at Peoples Natural Gas Field, the Altoona Curve baseball stadium, 1000 Park Ave., Altoona.

The clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, Jan. 19, through Friday, Jan. 21. Testing is free and open to anyone 3 years old or older. Those requesting a test do not have to show symptoms and do not have to be county residents.

Mid-nasal passage swab PCR tests will be performed. Testing is on a first-come, first-serve basis. No appointment is necessary. Patients are encouraged to bring a photo ID.

Due to high numbers of people being tested on a national level, there have been delays with receiving results.

Test results will be delivered via phone or email. Those using an email account should also check the spam folder, officials said.

For more information, call the AMI Call Center at 1-844-522-5952.

Cambria County extends testing site

Due to high demand, the free COVID-19 testing center at the Galleria Mall in Johnstown will remain open through Jan. 29. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The testing site is at the rear of the old Sears store, 540 Galleria Drive, Johnstown.

No appointments are necessary, and testing is available drive-thru only.

Patients will receive results of their tests via email or phone.

The center began testing Tuesday, Jan. 11, and was only slated to run for five days, but Cambria County Emergency Management Director Art Martynuska said last week that the center had 288 people opt for tests on the first day. More than 1,000 tests were completed in the first week, according to a press release.

Free at-home tests

Area residents can now receive up to four free COVID-19 tests that can be used when needed.

The covidtests.gov website launched Tuesday.

The at-home tests can be taken anywhere and yield results within 30 minutes, with no lab drop-off required.

According to the website, the tests work whether or not a person has COVID-19 symptoms or if they are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.

The tests are recommended if someone begins having COVID-19 symptoms like a fever, sore throat, runny nose or loss of taste or smell.

The tests can also be used at least five days after coming into close contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19, or if going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.

Orders will usually ship in seven to 12 days, the website stated.

More information on the at-home tests, as well as Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at

covidtests.gov.

According to the federal government website, “We have tests for every residential address in the U.S.”