CVS Offers Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing
The free tests are now available in the parking lots of stores in five states, and more are on the way.
Apr 23, 2020 | 2 min read
WOONSOCKET, R.I.—CVS Health, which provides health-care services through 1,100-plus MinuteClinic medical clinics, has joined forces with state governments in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode Island to increase access to rapid COVID-19 testing, the company announced.
CVS Health began operating drive-through rapid COVID-19 testing sites for eligible individuals in Georgia and Rhode Island on April 6 and expanded to other states within weeks. Currently, there are five test sites: one each in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode Island. Sites in other states may be added in April and May.
The tests, which take about 30 minutes per person, are currently available at no charge, and testing sites will be open seven days a week. The testing does not take place at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic but in large parking lots that are easily accessible and able to accommodate multiple lanes of cars at one time. MinuteClinic providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are on-site to oversee the testing. Individuals with test appointments are required to stay in their personal vehicle while at the test site and throughout the process.
All tests use the new Abbot ID NOW COVID-19 test, which recently received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is the fastest available molecular point-of-care test for the detection of COVID-19, allowing patients to receive results on-site.
Rapid COVID-19 testing will be available to eligible individuals who meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to state residency and age guidelines. Patients must pre-register online to schedule a same-day time slot to be tested. Registration and more information is available at CVS.com.
It’s important to note that the CVS drive-thru test sites are state and FDA approved. As reported in NACS Daily, scam test sites offering coronavirus testing for a fee have popped up in the United States, and law enforcement officials urge consumers to seek advice from their medical providers on testing.
NACS has compiled resources to help the convenience retail community navigate the COVID-19 crisis. For news updates and guidance, visit our coronavirus resources page.
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