COVID-19 has changed how many things operate for just about everyone, including something simple like having blood work done.

Freestone Medical Center is no exception, with mask required and procedures firmly in place they are doing everything to make sure the people inside their walls stay protected.

Unfortunately, this makes things a little different, and potentially confusing for some people.

Here is what I recently experienced during a visit to the clinic in Fairfield.

First, I went to the wrong part of the building, if a person is only having lab work then they do not go to the clinic.

Since I was there though, as you are about to walk in the door you notice a sign stating that if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Return to your car and call them. They will come out to you.

When you enter, you will notice partitions are up. There is a well person waiting area, and a sick person waiting area.

After being told where to go, I headed in to have my blood drawn around 10:15, which was my appointment time, and entered the Newman Street entrance.

If you do not know, that is the entrance on the side street, that has the circular drive up area.

There was a desk right inside the sliding glass door entrance ready for my COVID-19 screening.

My temperature was taken by a touch less thermometer, name and birthday given, then a few very simple screening questions. These are all written down on a simple form.

The questions were things like, have you had COVID symptoms and have you been exposed to COVID.

After being allowed to continue farther into the hospital, I just had to walk to radiology to sign in for my lab.

Next, she put a bracelet on me, handed me my papers, and explained my next step.

I followed instructions and walked back down the hall again to the lab, and rang the doorbell.

The door swung open and I handed them my paperwork, I was asked to wait.

I waited just a few minutes, and then off to have the blood drawn.

The lab area of the hospital had very few people, and social distancing was not an issue, they do ask that you wear a mask though.

From parking to pulling out of my parking spot, it took a little under fifteen minutes.

Everyone was friendly, kind, and very understanding making this visit enjoyable, even if it is still a visit with a vampire.

For more information or if you have any questions you may contact the Fairfield Clinic at 903-389-2181 or the Teague Clinic at 254-739-5655.