As cases surge, APH reopens test sites

With Covid cases and hospitalizations on the upswing, Austin Public Health is reopening two neighborhood testing sites to provide free testing, no questions asked or insurance required. As APH interim Director Adrienne Sturrup explained, “Community-based sites help protect those most at risk. APH staff have been incredibly dedicated to doing everything they can to lessen the impact of the virus. With the presence of the Delta variant, access to free testing will be an important tool to catch disease early.” The test site at George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center at 5801 Ainez Drive opens today, with services available Tuesday-Friday, 1-7 p.m., and on Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The St. Johns testing site at 7211 N. I-35 opens July 29, with services Tuesday-Friday 1-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. “Patients may arrive by foot, on a bicycle or motorcycle, or in a vehicle. All individuals are required to wear a face covering when arriving for testing.” No appointment is necessary, although scheduling a test in advance may save time.