Coronavirus: Walgreens Will Have 5-Minute Drive-thru Testing in Texas

AUSTIN, TX – Walgreens announced Tuesday, April 7 they will be expanding drive-thru testing to 15 new locations in seven states.

“Walgreens remains committed to working with federal, state and local governments, as well as industry partners to meet the needs of the communities we serve across the country during the pandemic,” said Walgreens President Richard Ashworth.

According to the press release, the new testing sites will utilize Abbott’s new ID NOW COVID-19 test, which can deliver positive results in five minutes and negative results in thirteen minutes.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Walgreens are finalizing the location of the testing sites. They are currently planned for select hot spot markets with escalating rates of COVID-19 cases. The pharmacy chain confirmed the new sites will be available in the following states: Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas.

With the new tests, Walgreens plans to test up to 3,000 per day at the new locations.

“We’re continuing to do everything we can, both with our own resources and also by partnering with others, to serve as an access point within the community for COVID-19 testing,” said Ashworth. “Opening our first drive-thru testing location last month has allowed us to quickly learn and develop an efficient and scalable process, and we’re pleased to be working with Abbott to help accelerate our efforts, and to enable quick results for those being tested.”