Free coronavirus test sites open Friday in Fort Worth, Arlington. Here’s how to sign up
Beginning Friday, there will be free drive-through COVID-19 testing in Fort Worth and Arlington for those who meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control.
In Fort Worth, testing will be conducted at 8600 Camp Bowie West Blvd., where Walgreens pharmacists will oversee patients’ self-administration of a rapid COVID-19 test.
In both Fort Worth and Arlington, tests are by appointment only and people will stay in their cars for the testing. In Fort Worth, tests are available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week, and in Arlington they are available from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To schedule an appointment in Fort Worth, individuals must first visit Walgreens.com/coronavirus to complete an assessment to determine eligibility. In Arlington, they are asked to visit arlingtontx.gov/coronavirus.
People may also call the Arlington Fire Department at 817-459-6029 and leave a voice message with their name, phone number and address to schedule an appointment.
In Arlington, the testing location will be provided once the appointment time slot has been confirmed. Residents with appointments must show a valid photo ID with proof of residency at the test site.
A list of additional private facilities offering COVID-19 testing in the Fort Worth area can be found on the city website.
Officials note that when patients can be tested, identified and isolated, the viral spread can be better contained, and that testing is an important next step in this emergency response. However, they also stress it does not alleviate the need to follow public health recommendations like social distancing, washing hands and wearing face masks when appropriate.
Testing eligibility criteria includes having a fever over 99.6, cough or shortness of breath and one of these conditions: Employed as a health care or essential worker, over 65, or have chronic health conditions.
This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 12:48 PM.