Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Available in Arlington

By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication

Editor's Note: This article was updated April 30, 2020, to reflect a new testing appointment phone number, 817-248-6299 and on May 7 to reflect a change in testing hours.

The City of Arlington is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing for Tarrant County residents who meet testing eligibility criteria.

Tests will be by appointment only between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and are intended for residents ages 18 and up who are exhibiting symptoms of the respiratory disease. Those who are interested in requesting an appointment for a specific time slot to receive the nasal swab test, which will be conducted by a local, private lab, can visit covidtesting.tarrantcounty.com or call 817-248-6299.

Click here to review the testing criteria or more information on how to request a no-cost COVID-19 test in Arlington.

The testing location will be provided once the appointment time slot has been confirmed. Residents with appointments must show a valid photo ID with proof of residency at the test site. Those who show up without a confirmed appointment will be turned away.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Go to www.arlingtontx.gov/coronavirus and review the list of pre-screening criteria to determine your eligibility for a test.

Visit covidtesting.tarrantcounty.com or call 817-248-6299 to schedule an appointment.

Tarrant County staff will follow up with a phone call to verify your scheduled drive-thru testing appointment time and provide further instructions.

If you do not currently meet testing criteria, you will be able to revisit the Tarrant County website to request an appointment if your symptoms change in the following days.

How the Drive-Thru Testing Will Work

When a patient arrives at the drive-thru testing location, they must remain in their vehicle with the windows rolled up.

Patients must show their identification to the testing site personnel through their rolled up car window.

The personnel at the testing site will then advise the patient on the next steps of the test, which is similar to a nasal swab for the flu.

Test results will be provided to the patient through the local private lab’s website.

If a patient tests positive for COVID-19, they will receive a phone call from the Arlington Fire Department with instructions on how to mitigate additional community spread of the virus, as well as guidance on how to monitor symptoms to determine if additional medical supervision is necessary.

Should I Get Tested?

You should consider getting tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms and meet the testing eligibility criteria listed below

Have a fever over 99.6, cough or shortness of breath

and one of these conditions below:

Employed as a healthcare or essential worker

Are over 65

Have chronic health conditions

News, Public Safety, Fire, Headlines