San Antonio: New Coronavirus Testing Criteria Makes Testing More Accessible To The Community

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

April 3, 2020

New COVID-19 testing criteria makes testing more accessible to the community

SAN ANTONIO (April 3, 2020) — The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District amended local COVID-19 testing criteria to make testing more accessible to the community to no longer require a physician’s referral. Testing is reserved for those who are symptomatic.

“San Antonio has received more testing supplies. With more tests available, we are able to break down barriers that people may face to getting tests, such as access to health care providers or insurance,” said San Antonio Metro Health Director Dr. Dawn Emerick. “As community spread in San Antonio continues to increase we should all act as though we have been exposed to COVID-19. Even if you have no symptoms, you should act as though you are carrying the virus.”

The City of San Antonio offers an online COVID-19 self-screening tool at www.sanantonio.gov. This tool does not replace medical care if a person is feeling ill. A healthcare provider should be visited if symptoms worsen or if underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, or heart disease is a factor in the person’s medical history.

If the online screening tool indicates that a resident should get tested, they should book an appointment with the San Antonio COVID-19 Pre-Approved Testing Site to receive a free COVID-19 test.

If a person does not have access to a computer they may call (210)-233-5970 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to complete the registration process for a COVID-19 test.

If a person does not have insurance they will still have access to testing at no charge.

The San Antonio COVID-19 Testing Center is open between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM every day. All persons must have an appointment. To view updated guidelines please visit the Metro Health website.

FOUR WAYS TO SIGN UP FOR COVID-19 ALERTS

1. Download the Ready South Texas app, available in the iTunes and Google Play stores
2. Text COSAGOV to 55000 to receive SMS text message updates
3. Follow @COSAGOV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
4. Bookmark www.SanAntonio.gov

Public service announcements on social distancing, prevention and testing are available here.

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.