New Orleans officials open one of two drive-through coronavirus testing station in the city, this one at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.

NEW ORLEANS — Drive-through COVID-19 testing is now open in New Orleans.

Two site opened Friday, March 20. One is in the Mahalia Jackson Theater and one in the parking lot of the UNO Lakefront Arena, according to a statement from the City of New Orleans.

Drive-through testing is only available to people who meet specific criteria. These are the first drive-through stations for testing in the state and some of the first in the country.

At first, the tests will only be done on healthcare workers and first responders who are showing symptoms of the virus. Testing criteria may be expanded from there over time.

People who can be tested are required to remain inside the vehicles and provide identification, their health insurance information and a badge showing that they work in a healthcare facility or are a first responder.

Personnel will then check your temperature with a no-touch thermometer and perform a nasal swab to obtain a sample. Patients will get test results over the phone in three-to-five days.

Patients will be tested whether they have insurance or not.

Drive-through sites will not accept walk-up patients. Anyone being tested must be in a vehicle.

New Orleans sites will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, beginning Friday, March 20.

Officials say the city has been given 2400 tests by the Office of Health and Human Services as part of the pilot program. Up to 100 tests will be administered at each site per day.

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