City run virus testing sites in San Antonio will now only test symptomatic people
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San Antonio Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Health program personnel packaged a swab at a COVID walk-up testing site at Burbank High School, Friday, June 19, 2020. The MIH team joined with San Antonio Metro Health to conduct the testing. Nearly 350 waited in line for the free test, some before 4 a.m.
San Antonio Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Health program personnel packaged a swab at a COVID walk-up testing site at Burbank High School, Friday, June 19, 2020. The MIH team joined with San Antonio Metro
Photo: Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Health program personnel packaged a swab at a COVID walk-up testing site at Burbank High School, Friday, June 19, 2020. The MIH team joined with San Antonio Metro Health to conduct the testing. Nearly 350 waited in line for the free test, some before 4 a.m.
San Antonio Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Health program personnel packaged a swab at a COVID walk-up testing site at Burbank High School, Friday, June 19, 2020. The MIH team joined with San Antonio Metro
Photo: Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
Starting Monday, the City of San Antonio will implement a rule change for testing COVID-19 at their no-cost, city-operated testing locations.
These locations at the Freeman Coliseum, Kazen Middle School and Cuellar Community Center will now only test residents who report symptoms of coronavirus.
Laura Mayes, Assistant Director of Government & Public Affairs at the City of San Antonio, said the new rule will allow people who are feeling sick and haven’t been able to be tested due to demand receive a test.
Demand for virus testing has skyrocketed in line with the resurgence of positive cases in Bexar County.
Mayes emphasized that prioritizing people who have symptoms helps make sure they are tested as soon as possible, which in turn allows them to isolate more quickly or seek further medical care if needed.
The city is also encouraging those with healthcare to contact their provider to seek a test, rather than overwhelming no-cost testing sites.
“The no-cost testing sites are intended to bring access to those who may not have insurance or a primary healthcare provider,” said Assistant City Manager Dr. Colleen Bridger.
Testing at the three city-run locations are available everyday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
These locations do not require an appointment and will test up to 300 people per day.
