The first two COVID-19 drive-through locations in New Orleans will go into service Friday morning at 8am.
The effort is a pilot program put together by the U.S. Department of Health.
Called “Community-Based Testing Sites” the locations 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.
A press release from Mayor LaToya Cantrell states the Community-Based Testing Sites will initially provide COVID-19 tests to healthcare facility workers and first responders who are symptomatic only.
The release says through initially for healthcare workers, testing criteria may be expanded beyond the initial pilot program should availability allow.
Testing of individuals will take place while the subject is in their car. People getting tested will need to present identification, proof of health insurance, and an employee badge.
Next 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.