Covid-19 testing sites in US: Where can I get a test?
Thanks to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Covid-19 testing is available free of charge to anyone in the U.S., including those without insurance.
So far almost 178 million people have been tested for coronavirus in the United States, with close to 12 million testing positive, according to data compiled by Politico.
As cases have increased, so too has the number of people seeking tests, and particularly now as Thanksgiving weekend approaches. As a result of the Thanksgiving rush, long lines of cars have formed outside testing centers across the country, meaning people are waiting hours for tests.
Lines in New York City spanned multiple city blocks, while in LA, lines at Dodgers stadium in wrapped multiple times around the parking lot.
The rush of people heading for testing is because many are presumptively using a test to determine if they can travel to spend the holiday with loved ones, although authorities are advising against this.
“Look: Don’t get a test because you want to go to Thanksgiving dinner,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said (via KOMO News).
“Just put off that dinner until next year and do it virtually. Because it has resulted in strains on the testing situations. So, we would encourage people to find a way to enjoy Thanksgiving and not use up what is still a limited capacity on testing.”
If you’re willing to bare the long lines across the country, here’s what you need to know about getting a covid-19 test.
How to get a Covid-19 test
Thanks to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Covid-19 testing is available free of charge to anyone in the U.S., including those without insurance, with tests available nationwide at health centers and select pharmacies.
In order to allow American citizens to quickly and accurately locate their nearest testing centers, the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has set up a useful search tool on their website. The search page allows anyone to locate free community-based testing centers across the US.
Upon entering the site, simply choose your state from the dropdown menu, which will bring up information on testing sites in your state, including health centers, pharmacies and a link to your state’s health department website.