Adrianna Durate showed a small spot on the bridge of her nose. It’s a rub mark from the N-95 face mask she’s worn to work every day as a COVID-19 tester. She first started at CrossRoads under Test Nebraska. Now, she’s testing people at Oakview Mall for Nomi Health. For two years, Durate has been the smiling face behind the mask, testing thousands of people for COVID-19.”I’ve seen a lot of people, met a lot of people,” Durate said. Durate witnessed every wave of the pandemic. She has swabbed, replenished supplies and sometimes directed traffic. “The lines used to be wrapped all over the parking lot, up the street,” Durate said. “It was really crazy at the time.”Sometimes, she’s had to deal with some impatient patients.”They’re angry about having to get tested because their job is forcing them to,” Durate said. “So, they just kind of take it out on us, but we just kind of brush it off. “Duarte said she’s always felt a calling to care for others, and when the pandemic led her to testing, she felt proud to serve the community.”I’ve seen a lot of people, met a lot of people,” Duarte said. ” stories from families that have lost people to COVID, helping people learn the differences of the tests and how to protect themselves and protect their families.”Now, with cases trending down, she’s mostly testing people for work or travel.” very slow,” Duarte said. “That’s good because people are hopefully not catching COVID.”She said she’ll remain under the white tent as long as she’s needed.”I’ve always liked caring for people,” Duarte said. “I like taking care of people because a lot of them can’t take care of themselves.”
Adrianna Durate showed a small spot on the bridge of her nose. It’s a rub mark from the N-95 face mask she’s worn to work every day as a COVID-19 tester. She first started at CrossRoads under Test Nebraska. Now, she’s testing people at Oakview Mall for Nomi Health.
For two years, Durate has been the smiling face behind the mask, testing thousands of people for COVID-19.
“I’ve seen a lot of people, met a lot of people,” Durate said.
Durate witnessed every wave of the pandemic. She has swabbed, replenished supplies and sometimes directed traffic.
“The lines used to be wrapped all over the parking lot, up the street,” Durate said. “It was really crazy at the time.”
Sometimes, she’s had to deal with some impatient patients.
“They’re angry about having to get tested because their job is forcing them to,” Durate said. “So, they just kind of take it out on us, but we just kind of brush it off. “
Duarte said she’s always felt a calling to care for others, and when the pandemic led her to testing, she felt proud to serve the community.
“I’ve seen a lot of people, met a lot of people,” Duarte said. “[I have heard] stories from families that have lost people to COVID, helping people learn the differences of the tests and how to protect themselves and protect their families.”
Now, with cases trending down, she’s mostly testing people for work or travel.
“[It has been] very slow,” Duarte said. “That’s good because people are hopefully not catching COVID.”
She said she’ll remain under the white tent as long as she’s needed.
“I’ve always liked caring for people,” Duarte said. “I like taking care of people because a lot of them can’t take care of themselves.”
