Walgreens have announced that they are to open 15 new Covid-19 testing sites across 7 states in the US as part of its commitment to provide greater access to testing.
The 7 states are Florida, Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana Kentucky, Texas and Tennessee.
The new sites are a part of Walgreens existing collaboration with the Administration, federal health agencies and state and local authorities.
The drive-thru sites will use Abbott’s new ID NOW COVID-19 test.
The test delivers a positive result in five minutes with a negative result taking up to 13 minutes.
Walgreens states that:
“The 15 locations are being finalized in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and are planned for select hot spot markets with escalating rates of COVID-19 cases.”
The additional sites are part of plans to be able to test 3,000 people per day.
Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president said:
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Dedicated temporary space will be observed at select locations outside of Walgreens’ stores.
Pharmacists from Walgreens will oversee the self-administration of the Covid-19 test.
An online assessment tool will be available on Walgreens.com and on their mobile application.
The assessment tool will direct patients to testing locations.
