Alexandria Launches Free COVID Testing Kiosks

(Updated 4:10 p.m.) As part of a continued effort to provide widespread COVID-19 testing, the City of Alexandria and Alexandria Health Department are launching a partnership with private testing company Curative to provide free COVID testing kiosks.

The city said the new kiosks will replace community testing the city has been engaging in since last July.

According to a press release:

The new approach will replace six hours per week of ad hoc community testing events with about 150 hours per week of kiosk availability, significantly increasing access to free testing with consistent kiosk locations and schedules. A key component of the strategy to stopping the spread of COVID-19 is identifying those who are positive so they can isolate from others during the infectious period. The City is providing the locations for the kiosks, which will be operated by Curative.

The nasal swab test will be self-administered under the supervision of a Curative worker in a kiosk. The swab is then placed inside a biohazard bag and returned to the Curative worker. According to the city, tests do not require government identification and all tests are free, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Participants will be asked for insurance information if available so that insurance providers can be billed, but no co-pay from participants will be required.

Walk-up testing is available, although the city said appointments are encouraged and may be made online. Kiosk service is available in English and Spanish.

Testing is scheduled to start tomorrow (Thursday) at the following locations:

• Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 W. Reed Avenue) — Monday through Friday, 3-8 p.m.
  Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Ben Brenman Park (4800 Brenman Park Drive) — Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) — Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
  Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.