Reporter looking to speak with parents about difficulties getting kids tested for coronavirus

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm a reporter with the New York Times working on a story about the lack of pediatric testing for coronavirus. Many testing sites, such as those run by CVS and Walgreens, will only test adults. the D.C. public sites will only see kids over 6. I'm looking to speak to parents who have had difficulty securing a test for their child — maybe you had to drive a long distance, for example, or make many phone calls to find a place. If this applies to you, please reach out! My email address is [e-mail]. Would love to hear from you.

[Anonymous]

We had no issue whatsoever getting my child tested at CNMC. In and out in 20 minutes and got our result later that same day. Our doctor made one phone call and it was very straightforward.

[Anonymous]

Went to Medstar, no issue. Results back within 2 days.

[Anonymous]

I live in GA and had a child with a 101 fever, congestion, runny nose, and terrible cough a couple weeks ago. I spent an entire day trying to get him tested with NO luck. His pediatrician didn’t think he needed one and any place I could find testing for his age (3) required a ped’s referral. Everyone else was 15+ up. My call log had something like 23 numbers that day trying to find a test. We never did and it spread to 3 of 4 family members. It probably was just a random virus as the ped suggested but we we really don’t know.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think there’s as much of an issue in the dc area. We got my three year old COVID tested, it was a drive by test and they fit us in within an hour of our call. Results are supposed to be back within five days.