WEST SPRINGFIELD – With two locations in Western Massachusetts, urgent care company American Family Care (AFC) has dedicated weekdays at its 18 Union St., West Springfield office to testing for the coronavirus.

“We need to know where we’re at,” in the lifespan of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the only way to do that is with testing,” said Physician Assistant Louise Cardellina.

Testing began on April 13. The center is testing four people an hour, roughly 35 to 40 people per day. During one of Cardellina’s recent shifts, there were seven positive results.

Except for first responders and those who know they have been exposed, patients must be symptomatic and be pre-screened before being tested. Symptoms include cough or a high fever over 102 F° or chest tightening.

To be pre-screened, people can visit afcurgentcarespringfield.com and click the “telecare” button. After filling out basic information, the person will receive a call back “right away,” via phone or video chat, Cardellina said. She said patients are scheduled for an appointment within 12 to 24 hours.

The rapid test that the facility is using delivers test results within about 15 minutes, Cardellina said, and customers are asked to wait for results in their vehicle.

When someone tests positive and is severely ill, Cardellina said it is recommended the person seek care at an emergency room. If they are not severely ill, they are told to go home and quarantine themselves for 14 days. The person is instructed to alert people with whom they have had contact within the previous two weeks. Cardellina said people will be asymptomatic for days before they know they have it.

Testing, which is covered by all health insurance, is conducted Monday through Friday, from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. for members of West Springfield and surrounding communities. The West Springfield office is open on the weekend from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for non-corona related walk-ins. During the week, patients not looking for testing can be seen at AFC’s Springfield location, 415 Cooley St.