Mayor: Houston will now test anyone for COVID-19

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday, April 8. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday, April 8. Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 123 Caption Close Mayor: Houston will now test anyone for COVID-19 1 / 123 Back to Gallery

Anyone who would like to be tested for COVID-19, whether they have symptoms of the disease or not, will now be able to receive a test at either of the Houston Health Departments's two testing sites, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced at a Monday afternoon press conference.

People wishing to have a test must first call 832-393-4220 to receive a unique identification code and directions on where to go.

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Dr. David Persse of the health department said the increase in testing is necessary to ensure decision-makers like Turner have data that is as accurate as possible.

Persse warned that a negative COVID-19 test does not mean that an individual should stop social distancing. "Sometimes people who are asymptomatic can get a false negative report."

Residents with disabilities who are unable to travel to the testing sites will receive assistance from the Houston Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.

The City of Houston on Monday reported 115 new cases of COVID-19, along with two additional deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to 18.