The COVID-19 coronavirus drive-thru testing locations in New Orleans will be open to anyone showing symptoms starting Sunday March 22, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced today.
The testing will be available to any individual with a fever and other symptoms associated with the coronavirus. The tests were to be initially capped at 100 per day per site but a later update from the city said the limit would be increased to 250 per day per site.
Testing is available at the following locations between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. or until the cap of 100 tests per day per site is met:
- Mahalia Jackson Theater Parking Lot 1419 - 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
- University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena Parking Lot - 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70148
- Alario Center on the Westbank (operated by the Jefferson Parish Emergency Management Department)
A press release from the Mayor's office outlined the procedure:
Upon arrival at a site, individuals will be required to remain in their vehicles and to provide identification and health insurance information, although everyone will be tested regardless of whether or not they have insurance.
Personnel in full medical protective gear will check the individual’s temperature with a no-touch thermometer and insert a nasal swab to obtain the necessary sample. Test results will be given by phone within three to five days.
For the safety of the testing personnel, the drive-through sites will not be able to accommodate walk-up individuals. Individuals must arrive in a vehicle.