Rapid covid testing coming to Arnold Palmer Regional Airport
Oct. 13—Outbound passengers flight soon will be able to undergo rapid covid-19 testing at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport.
The pre-departure testing, which is by appointment only and is not covered by medical insurance, should be available to commercial passengers in about two weeks, according to Gabe Monzo, executive director of the Westmoreland County Airport Authority, which operates the airport in Unity.
"This is available now, and we're going to take advantage of it," Monzo said.
The tests are to be offered by PAS Medical Laboratory of Jeannette in the airport parking lot. They cost $120 each, with results to be provided the same day.
"They can do a 30-minute test where the people can sit in their cars and wait for the results," Monzo said.
The testing option could provide added convenience for passengers who are headed for a destination that requires a negative covid test result or have booked a seat with Spirit Airlines to connect with an international flight.
Monzo stressed that passengers must contact the laboratory, not the airport, at 1-800-524-3414 or pamedlabs.com to make an appointment.
Grant OK'd for fluid storage, sign upgrade
Engineering consultant Scott Kunselman reported the authority has been awarded a $600,000 state grant toward two projects at the Unity airport.
Part of the money will be used to add safety features for storing de-icing fluids at the airport fuel farm. The rest will go toward installing an upgraded electronic advertising and promotional sign on airport property at routes 30 and 981.
According to Monzo, the new sign will measure about 280 square feet, up from the current 250 square feet. "It will have much better resolution, and we'll have improved control of it," he said.
The leak hasn't kept the restaurant from operating, Monzo said.
Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .
