Should I Get Tested for COVID-19? Walk-Up Testing Sites Open Through May 9

May 8, 2020 - San Antonio

By Jade Esteban Estrada - Staff Writer, San Antonio Sentinel

This week, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and the San Antonio Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Health Program (MIH) announced a partnership to bring the community free and accessible coronavirus testing in underserved and minority communities. The three daily testing locations currently in operation are by appointment only, however, there are now two temporary walk-up COVID-19 test sites, which do not require an appointment, that will be operational through May 9. These pop-up testing sites are located at Las Palmas Library parking lot and Woodlawn Lake Park on the city’s West Side.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services, Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Military Department have also added more mobile COVID-19 tests at no cost.

Metro Health has been testing people who are asymptomatic in congregate settings, like the county jail. This week is the first time the Health Department has expanded their reach of individuals who do not show symptoms of COVID-19 by testing asymptomatic individuals from both vulnerable populations and those in marginalized communities.

Thursday night, Metro Health reported 1,805 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 54 deaths. Statewide, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 36,609 cases and 1,004 fatalities as of noon today. On the national level, the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center has reported 1,273,887 cases of COVID-19 and 76,475 deaths related to the virus as of Thursday evening. Globally, they report 3,910,738 infections and 272,778 deaths.

“My team is working every day to contain the virus and limit its impact, so we must provide resources in the areas of greatest need,” said Dr. Dawn Emerick, Director of Metro Health. “By bringing no-cost COVID-19 testing sites into our neighborhoods, we are able to reach people that may not be able to access testing that is far from their home. We will continue to provide resources to our vulnerable communities in need because we are committed to addressing health inequities.” 

Here is an updated list of no-cost testing sites in San Antonio:

By appointment only

3201 E Houston St, 78219 - 9 am - 5 pm, 7 days a week, drive-through 

2530 SW Military Dr, 78245 - 9 am - 5 pm, 7 days a week, drive-through 

8923 W Military Drive, 78245 - 9 am - 4 pm, 7 days a week, drive-through 

1226 NW 18th Street, 78207 - 9 am - 5 pm, May 6, 8, 9,  (Wed, Fri, Sat), drive-through 

2096 Talley Road, 78253, 9 am - 5 pm, May 8 (Fri), drive-through 

11615 Galm Road, 78254 - 9 am - 5 pm, May 9, 10 (Sat, Sun), drive-through 

23103 Bulverde Road, 78259 - 9 am - 5 pm, May 11 (Mon), drive-through 

No appointment necessary

Las Palmas Library 

515 Castroville Road, 78238 - 9 am - 5 pm, May 7, 8, 9 (Thurs, Fri, Sat), walk-up.

Woodlawn Lake Park

1103 Cincinnati Ave, 78201, 9 am - 5 pm, May 7, 8, 9 (Thurs, Fri, Sat), walk-up.

To register to be tested, individuals must visit www.txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400. Upcoming test locations can be viewed can also be viewed on the City’s website.

Additionally, the City of San Antonio has an online self-screening tool that can be found here. This tool does not replace medical care if an individual is feeling ill. A healthcare provider should be visited if symptoms worsen or if underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, or heart disease is a factor in the person’s medical history.

Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer at the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. He can be reached at jade@sasentinel.com.