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