As businesses across Arizona prepare to reopen this weekend, companies plan to do more testing and there are several new testing sites opening this weekend.
One of them is a free COVID-19 drive-thru testing site put on by Fry’s Food Stores and the City of Tempe.
Cars lined up at Tempe Diablo Stadium Friday morning, where medical professionals were on hand to offer free coronavirus tests to anyone concerned about their health status. The drive-thru clinic, providing relief for people who need to be tested and want to know their results.
Fry’s Food Stores and the Little Clinic teamed up to make it happen.
"Many people are concerned about their health status related to the coronavirus right now," said Monica Garnes, president of Fry's Food Stores.
"It is important to us to provide the products and services that our customers are looking for. Offering COVID-19 testing is one way we are working to fulfill our purpose to Feed the Human Spirit and to support the community's overall health and well-being."
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Before showing up, anyone being tested must register online at krogerhealth.com, where they use a virtual screening tool based on CDC guidelines to see if they’re eligible.
When they arrive at their appointment, they leave their window rolled up for check-in with their photo ID in hand, until a health care practitioner comes to the car to administer the test.
During the testing, patients stay in their cars and use a self-administered nasal swab, which are less painful and designed to increase safety. In just a few minutes, the test is complete.
The testing is supported with lab services by eTrueNorth, a contractor of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Patients can expect their test results within 48 hours.
Kroger expects to test about 250 people over the 2-day testing clinic.
"On behalf of our city, I extend our sincere gratitude to Fry's for being a genuine community partner at this crucial time and always," said Mayor Mark Mitchell of the City of Tempe.
"Many people who need to be tested will get the reassurance of knowing their results so they can do what's best for themselves, their families and our community."
Friday’s drive-thru testing at Tempe Diablo Stadium will go until 1 p.m. and the tests will be available again from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
CVS also plans to provide testing at 10 drive-thru sites in Arizona starting Friday, with a goal of creating 1,000 test sites across the U.S. and processing 1.5 million tests each month.
Testing Site Information:
· Dates: Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16
· Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
· Location: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 West Alameda Drive, Tempe
· Registration is required. Register at krogerhealth.com/covidtesting or call 1-888-852-2567 (select option 3, then option 1).
COVID-19 is believed to be primarily spread through coughs or sneezes.
It may be possible for the virus to spread by touching a surface or object with the virus and then a person touching their mouth, nose or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main method of spread, the CDC says.
You should consult your doctor if you traveled to an area currently affected by COVID-19 and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
There is no vaccine for the coronavirus, so the best way to prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases is to:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
You can text FACTS to 602-444-1212 to receive more information on the coronavirus and to ask questions.