New COVID-19 testing site opening thanks to federal, state and local partnership

Metz Elementary site to offer expanded PCR testing availability seven days a week 

A new COVID-19 testing site opens next week at Metz Elementary School in East Austin. Federally funded contractors will operate the site thanks to support from federal, state and local leaders. Similar to other operations underway throughout the state, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is funding this site. Insurance isn’t required and testing is free.  

HHS is managing the contract with a Texas-based company, eTrueNorth. The site is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. The site will first open to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 12 p.m.

Those seeking tests can visit www.ineedacovid19test.com. After completing an online assessment, individuals will be able to schedule an appointment and will be provided a voucher. The individual will bring either a paper hardcopy of the voucher or proof of voucher on their mobile phone to the testing location to receive the free of charge PCR COVID 19 test at their scheduled date and time.

Those individuals without access to the internet can call (800) 635-8611 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ups will be accepted, though it is strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment to avoid wait times.

 

This is much-needed support even as APH clinics continue to offer free COVID-19 testing throughout the community. The most recent surge heightened demand for testing. APH has administered more than 32,000 tests in Austin-Travis County since November 2021. Testing operations during the omicron surge peaked on Dec. 30 of last year when APH administered more than 1,900 tests. Meanwhile, through the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center, over a million home-test kits were provided to community groups in areas with limited access to healthcare. 

APH vaccine and testing information 

People can find vaccine providers using Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) or by texting their zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a nearby clinic.   

APH clinics offer COVID-19 vaccinations and testing without appointment, although creating an account online in advance saves time. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and require neither identification nor insurance. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 or visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.     

To help reserve our emergency rooms for medical emergencies, people who are asymptomatic or experiencing minor symptoms may inquire about testing options by calling 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, or by visiting 211texas.org. Please don’t call 9-1-1 for testing information.