TriCore giving flu and COVID tests at Meadowlark Senior Center

TriCore, a New Mexico clinical laboratory, will give rapid PCR COVID and flu tests at no charge to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday through March 13 at Meadowlark Senior Center.

“This project is funded by grants that allow TriCore to test and treat at no cost to advance the health of the communities we serve,” TriCore states in a release.

According to New Mexico Department of Health, as of Feb. 3, New Mexico influenza-like illness activity is currently present in 8.3% of patient visits statewide and is above the state’s ILI baseline of 4.7%. All five New Mexico health regions are above the baseline.

COVID numbers show more than one-third of the population reported positive as of Jan. 16.

A single-dose medication Xofluza will be available on-site at no charge for a positive flu test if treatment is appropriate. A TriCore pharmacist will be available to answer questions. Results of both tests can be obtained on site or by email.

TriCore also has several locations in operation throughout Rio Rancho. Visit its website for more information.