COVID-19 Update April 27, 2020

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The Houston Health Department is bringing COVID-19 testing to vulnerable communities through new mobile testing and partnerships with community organizations.

Mobile Testing Unit

On Tuesday, April 28, 2020, the Houston Health Department will begin offering free COVID-19 testing through its mobile unit at strategic multi-service centers.

People do not need to have symptoms or appointments to be tested. The mobile unit has a daily capacity of 100 tests and is available as a drive-thru or walk-up option.

Mobile testing will occur Tuesdays-Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until capacity is reached, as follows:

• April 28-May 2: Kashmere Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX 77026
• May 5-9: Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 W Fuqua St, Houston, TX 77045
• May 12-16: Third Ward Multi-Service Center, 3611 Ennis St, Houston, TX 77004

People with questions about mobile testing can call the health department’s COVID-19 call center at 832-393-4220.

United Memorial Medical Center

United Memorial Medical Center on Monday opened a free COVID-19 drive-through testing site at Barnett Sports Complex in Southeast Houston.

The site does not require people to have symptoms or appointments to be tested. The site has capacity to test approximately 250 people daily and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached.

UMMC worked with the Houston Health Department to identify a strategic location for the new testing site and will do the same for future UMMC sites.

People with questions about UMMC testing sites can call 1-866-333-COVID or visit ummcscreening.com.

Federally Qualified Health Centers

The Houston Health Department is partnering with four Federally Qualified Health Centers to expand their COVID-19 testing capacity by providing test kits, lab access and equipment.

FQHC patients pay what they can afford, based on income, and are not denied services due to inability to pay or lack of insurance.

Community Based Testing Sites

The Houston Health Department continues operating two free drive-through COVID-19 community-based testing sites. The sites are open to anyone, regardless of symptoms.

People must call 832-393-4220 to receive an access code and instructions on where to go for testing. The two sites each have capacity for 500 tests per day and are open daily until capacity is reached.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

For additional information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html