Texas launches interactive map to help find coronavirus testing sites near you
Texans looking to be tested for the novel coronavirus can now find sites near them on a statewide interactive map launched Friday.
Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled the map Friday afternoon, that is being overseen by the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Department of State Health Services. Users can search for sites based on their location, and the map displays both public, private and drive-through sites, in addition to details such as what types of tests are offered, whether a doctor’s referral is needed and more.
The map can be found by clicking one of the links above or at: www.texas.gov/#covid19
Currently, over 340 sites are listed, according to a news release, and the two state agencies will verify and add additional locations that are submitted through an online form.
“This mapping tool will help Texans locate test collection sites in their communities and it is part of our commitment to expanding COVID-19 testing throughout Texas,” Abbot said in a statement. “By using this map, Texans will have access to pertinent information on a variety of test collection options that will help fulfill testing needs in communities across the Lone Star State.”
Texas ranks near the bottom nationwide in per capita testing, and testing was initially limited at the start of the outbreak. Dallas-Fort Worth residents previously reported being unable to get tested for COVID-19 even when showing symptoms, and local officials have pointed to the need for increased testing.
Free drive-through COVID-19 test sites recently opened in Fort Worth and Arlington, in addition to private providers offering testing. Starting Saturday, Tarrant County residents will also have more options to be tested for coronavirus antibodies — which can indicate that a person has recovered from the virus, even if they weren’t exhibiting symptoms.
As of Friday afternoon, DSHS was reporting more than 242,500 Texans had been tested, with 22,806 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those, 1,674 were hospitalized and 593 have died. An estimated 9,156 Texans had recovered — meaning they had gone at least two weeks of being COVID-19 free.
This story was originally published April 24, 2020 at 5:11 PM.
