Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing to be Offered to Healthcare Workers and First Responders at Two New Orleans Sites
NEW ORLEANS —Through a pilot program with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), COVID-19 testing will be offered at two drive-through “Community-Based Testing Sites” in the Greater New Orleans area to individuals who meet specific criteria. The City of New Orleans, with assistance from the Louisiana National Guard, will operate two sites in New Orleans.
Greater New Orleans COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Sites
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Mahalia Jackson Theater Parking Lot
1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
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University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena Parking Lot
2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70148
New Orleans sites will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, beginning Friday, March 20.
Eligibility
Per the HHS program, the Community-Based Testing Sites will initially provide COVID-19 tests to healthcare facility workers and first responders who are symptomatic only. These individuals are working around the clock to provide care, compassion and safety to residents, and are at high risk for exposure and spread. As availability allows, testing criteria may be expanded beyond the initial pilot program.
Procedure
Upon arrival at a site, individuals will be required remain in their vehicles and to provide identification, health insurance information (although everyone will be tested regardless of whether or not they have insurance), and a healthcare facility employee or first responder badge. 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. See HHS fact sheet on testing procedures.
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.
Due to patient privacy concerns, members of the media will not be allowed to enter testing sites when they are operational. However, the City of New Orleans will host a media avail prior to opening on Friday to brief media on the operations and testing criteria at the Mahalia Jackson site.
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