Philadelphia International Airport Announces New COVID-19 Test Site

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Passengers leaving Philadelphia International Airport can now take a COVID-19 test before departure.

The COVID-19 test site departing from Terminal E is reserved for passengers with plane tickets.

The voluntary tests will be administered by employees of Jefferson University Hospital. There are three options: PCR, rapid PCR, and antigen.

“It’s a nasal swab. A little deeper than a regular nasal swab, but it’s not terribly uncomfortable. It’s seconds, ”says Dr. Stephen Klask, president of Jefferson University and CEO of Jefferson Health.

The price ranges from $ 70 to $ 130. The faster the result, the more expensive the test.

“Theoretically you would be able to take that and by the time you landed have the result,” Klasko said of the quick test.

“Others could take up to 48-72 hours.”

Passengers who wish to take advantage of this voluntary test will make an appointment and can park for free in Terminal E to take a coronavirus test.

Some Caribbean island countries and Hawaii, for example, require proof of a negative coronavirus test result.

“It’s just another choice people will have if they want to travel,” says Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Philadelphia Aviation Division.

If the result is positive, local health departments and the CDC will take action.

“They will be notified of Jefferson’s results and can then take appropriate action to put someone on a no-boarding list,” Cameron said.

The airport coronavirus test site is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.