Workers from UAB Medicine will bring mobile coronavirus testing to Alabama’s largest county this week, starting in Center Point and Birmingham’s Bush Hills neighborhood to reach those unable to come to the downtown site.

Jordan DeMoss, vice president of clinical operations at UAB Medicine, said he hopes health care workers will be able to conduct 50 to 100 tests a day. The downtown testing site has administered 5,000 tests since its opening five weeks ago.

DeMoss said not everyone can drive downtown to get tested.

“We want to be able to go to them and meet them where they’re at,” he said.

Mobile testing will start this week at Central Park Christian School in Bush Hills. On Friday, it will move to Cathedral of the Cross in Center Point. Both mobile clinics will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. People with symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath can call (205) 975-CV19 to get more information.

As Alabama officials eye lifting some of the restrictions on business and gatherings, experts have raised concerns about low levels of testing in the state. DeMoss said UAB is trying to address the shortage by increasing its testing capacity and bringing it to communities that may have a difficult time obtaining tests.

He said the two communities were chosen based on partnerships and data within UAB hospital about positive tests. Signs will be posted with information, including a phone number people can call if they believe they need a test. Healthcare workers on the phone will determine whether callers qualify for testing.

Dr. Rachael Lee, epidemiologist for UAB, said the number of new coronavirus cases each day in Jefferson County has declined, but warned that reopening too quickly could cause a second wave of cases. Gov. Kay Ivey announced a press conference tomorrow to outline plans for the state’s reopening.

Lee said people should continue to follow social distancing guidelines, wear masks in public and wash hands frequently to help prevent another round of cases.

“In Jefferson County, our rates have gone down significantly, but they’re not zero,” Lee said. “We still have cases circulating, so if you open up too soon, you may see those number start rising again.”