Map courtesy of Washington Regional

Washington Regional will begin operating a coronavirus screening clinic beginning March 16, officials announced today.

The clinic will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 3318 N. North Hills Blvd. in Fayetteville at North Hills Medical Park.

People who suspect they have symptoms of the virus will be evaluated to identify their risk factors, including history of fever and respiratory symptoms. Those who screen at risk for coronavirus infection will have specimens obtained for further testing. They will then be asked to return home for self-quarantine until test results become available, or as instructed by the Arkansas Department of Health.

If patients do not screen at risk and do not need further evaluation, they will be asked to return home and follow up with their primary care provider.

Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the center.

Those who would like to be screened before March 16 should visit the Washington Regional Urgent Care location at 3 E. Appleby Road, Suite 101 in Fayetteville.

The organization also plans to open a drive-thru screening clinic on March 16 in Eureka Springs at the Washington Regional Eureka Springs Family Clinic, located at 146 Passion Play Road, Suite A. The drive-thru clinic will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patients with symptoms of coronavirus will be given a mask and directed to park, and will be screened in their vehicle. They will be interviewed by a provider and may have routine tests performed to assess their illness, for example to rule out influenza.

For more information on Washington Regional’s response, visit www.wregional.com/coronavirus.