APH relocating COVID-19 testing site operations, expanding hours

City testing teams shift to Metz Elementary Feb. 22

Austin Public Health (APH) is consolidating testing sites beginning next week. Staff will move to the Metz Elementary campus to meet the evolving needs of our communities and in response to declining testing demand. Teams administered more than 42,000 tests at the Travis County Expo Center and Dove Springs Recreation Center during recent COVID-19 surges related to the delta and omicron variants. At the peak of the omicron surge, APH teams administered more than 5,500 tests in just three days (Dec. 27 – Dec. 30). Last week, 410 tests were administered.  

Federal contractors have been operating a testing site at Metz since Feb. 1 with local and state support. APH teams will assume testing duties at Metz starting Tuesday, Feb. 22. Clinic hours will be Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the flexibility to expand if necessary. Patients will be able to use the APH online registration portal to sign up. Tests are provided free of charge, and no proof of insurance or residency is required.  

This is in addition to a new Pflugerville testing site that opened Feb. 14 thanks to a partnership with APH, the city of Pflugerville and Spartan Medical. Free tests are offered at Heritage Park Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.   

CLICK HERE to sign up for testing in Pflugerville through Spartan Medical.

Testing operations will end at the Travis County Expo Center on Thursday, Feb. 17 and at the Dove Spring Recreation Center on Saturday, Feb. 19.   

Key indicators including Austin-Travis County’s Community Transmission Rate (192 as of Wednesday) prove we’re not yet in the clear. Metrics are trending in the right direction, but the virus is still hospitalizing and killing people in the community. It’s important to test before and after traveling, when gathering indoors with people you don’t live with, if you’ve had close contact with someone who’s tested positive for COVID-19 and especially if you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19.  

In-Home Testing  

Home testing teams allow Austin Public Health staff to administer tests in a patient’s home. To sign up for an in-home test, please call the Health Equity Line at 512-972-5560. APH nurses will walk you through an assessment and then help schedule an appointment. In-home testing is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Private Testing  

Testing is available at private sites around Austin, including pharmacies, hospitals, and urgent care centers. Those who have private insurance can contact their doctor’s office or insurer for assessment and testing options.