The bottom line is that if everyone with COVID-19 symptoms ran to their local hospital, the medical system would be quickly overwhelmed, and it could, honestly, lead to even more spreading of the Coronavirus. That’s why a bunch of new drive-through testing locations are starting to pop up. It’s a good thing, too, because COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire with more than 390,000 people globally (as of the time of this writing) being documented as infected. This is what you need to know about drive-up Coronavirus testing, how to get tested, and where you can go to get tested without even leaving your car.
How Does Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Work?
Drive-through Coronavirus testing is actually much easier than you might expect. You pull up to a specific area (probably wait in line), and when it’s your turn, you’ll be swabbed right from your car. From what we’ve been told, they swab the back of your throat through the nose canal, so it’s not exactly the best feeling in the world, but it is generally painless and fast. Once the test is done, you’re free to leave, and your swab is sent to the lab. You’ll receive the results of your test within the next couple of days via a text message. During this waiting period, you’ll be told to self-quarantine and, if the results come back positive, you’ll receive treatment instructions and directions on containment.
However, while this all seems easy enough, it’s not as cut and dry as pulling up, getting swabbed, and leaving. This isn’t Taco Bell, McDonald's, or Burger King. From the onset, you’ll need a referral from your doctor and a scheduled appointment with whatever facility you’re going to. Keep in mind that test supplies aren’t exactly in unlimited demand, so it’s best to be tested only if you’re experiencing symptoms or have been in close proximity to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID.
Who Does Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing?
Below you’ll find an updated list (as of 3/24/2020) of locations for drive-through coronavirus testing by state.
COVID-19 Testing Locations
State |
Location |
Requirements |
---|---|---|
Alaska |
Corner of Lake Otis Parkway and E 42nd Ave, Anchorage |
Doctor Referral |
Arizona |
Three locations in Pheonix, One in Tucson |
Doctor Referral, Location Secret unless you’re eligible for screening |
California |
Express Care’s Hoover Pavilion Palo Alto |
Appointment Only |
Kaiser Permanente French Campus, San Francisco |
||
Providence Group Hospitals, North Orange County |
Doctor Referral |
|
Colorado |
Department of Public Health, Lowry Colorado |
Doctor Referral |
Connecticut |
Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, New London |
Doctor Referral and Appointment |
Hartford Hospital |
Doctor Referral and Appointment |
|
Florida |
FoundCare Health Center, Palm Springs |
Appointment Only (limited test supplies) |
U of F Health, The Villages Polo Club, N. Orlando |
Doctor Referral and Appointment (online: https://ufhealthcovid.com) |
|
Illinois |
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge |
Doctor Referral and Appointment |
Massachusetts |
CVS, Shrewsbury |
Doctor Referral, first responders and medial professionals only |
Minnesota |
Mayo Clinic, Rochester |
Phone screening |
New Jersey |
Bergen Community College, Paramus |
New Jersey Picture ID, Showing Symptoms |
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel |
||
Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus |
||
New York |
New Rochelle’s Glen Island Park |
Appointment Only, priority to high-risk individuals |
Jones Beach State Park, Long Island |
Appointment Only |
|
South Beach Psychiatric Center, Staten Island |
Appointment Only |
|
Pennsylvania |
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia |
Referral |
Texas |
Parkland Health & Hospitals System, Dallas |
Appointment Only, first responders, healthcare workers, parkland patients |
San Antonio Private Location |
First Responders and Health Care Workers only |
|
Washington |
UW Medicine Northwest Outpatient Medical Center, Seattle |
Appointment Only. UW Medical Patients, Employees, Students |