In an effort to offer patients rapid results for coronavirus testing, the national chain Walgreens announced Tuesday it has plans to offer drive-thru coronavirus testing in Arizona.
Walgreens announced they are working with federal authorities to finalize the location of 15 test sites in seven states and plans to be open for operation later this week. The company has not yet announced the exact pharmacy locations or how many drive-thru test locations each state will have.
The sites which will be in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas will allow the pharmacy to conduct an additional 3,000 tests per day.
Once the testing sites are operating, Walgreens will use an online assessment tool that will direct patients to a site for drive-thru testing. Appointments must be made in advance.
Those who are approved for testing and meet eligibility requirements outlined by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention will receive their drive-thru evaluation free.
The testing service will be set up outside stores and will provide patients with the Abbott’s new ID NOW COVID-19 test, which can produce positive results as fast as five minutes and negative results within 13 minutes.
Walgreens opened their first drive-thru testing site in the Chicago area on March 21.
“Opening our first drive-thru testing location last month has allowed us to quickly learn and develop an efficient and scalable process, and we’re pleased to be working with Abbott to help accelerate our efforts, and to enable quick results for those being tested,” Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president, said in a press release.
For most people, coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
