New website helps locate free COVID-19 testing sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Wes Stubblefield, M.D., (256) 340-2113

The Alabama Department of Public Health continues to encourage COVID-19 vaccines and boosters in addition to testing and treatment. A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Testing Locator website allows the public to search and locate free COVID-19 testing sites near them. The site locator is part of the CDC Increasing Community Access to Testing program which focuses on communities at a greater risk of being impacted by the pandemic.

Tests offered may include laboratory-based nucleic acid amplification tests, including polymerase chain reaction tests and rapid antigen point-of-care testing. Results are typically provided within 24–48 hours. Testing is available at pharmacies, commercial laboratory sites, community sites and retail locations.

COVID-19 testing is available at no cost at these sites to people with or without health insurance who are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. The tests are billed to third-party payers, such as Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurers. People without health insurance do not have to pay for COVID-19 testing at these locations. County health departments also offer COVID-19 testing. Consumers can access the Testing Locator at testinglocator.cdc.gov.

To find vaccine sites near you, visit vaccines.gov.

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2/1/23

County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.