Local Health Officials Announce Two-step Process for Drive-through Screening, Testing for COVID-19

The Corpus Christi Nueces County Public Health District will begin providing drive through testing later this week for individuals who demonstrate symptoms linked to COVID-19, or the Coronavirus, county and city officials announced today.

The announcement comes after officials conducted a run-through Sunday at the old Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot and successfully tested a cohort of individuals, said Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, who encouraged local residents to practice the Health Department’s Two-Step.

“The City and County are working collectively to ensure we keep our region and our community safe, and to let all residents know they can count on Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health resources for their safety, health and well-being,” said Mayor Joe McComb.”

Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to follow a two-step process that involves contacting the Public Health District by calling (361) 826-7200 where an assessment is conducted to determine if they meet Centers for Disease Control criteria for testing.  

The second step is a scheduled appointment at the drive-through screening center where a test will be conducted.  The drive-through testing is likely to begin Thursday and will be conducted at the old Memorial Hospital parking lot, at 2606 Hospital Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78405. However, residents should not visit the location without an appointment. 

The COVID-19 Test is not for the general public, officials emphasized, but for those who display symptoms and for those individuals who live in Nueces County 

“This two-step self-assessment and telephone screening process is critical to ensure efficient and timely treatment to those who need attention,” said Public Health Director Annette Rodriguez. “Those meeting the symptoms criteria then will be given information on testing. It’s important to keep in mind that we do not have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the area.  This is an effort to stay ahead of the spread.”

Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales said, “Providing the drive through testing is just one example of the region’s quality of health care facilities and commitment to a healthy Nueces County.”

“We believe this is an important step in ensuring we limit the spread of the virus and provide access to those who are in need of screening, and ensure high quality health care in Nueces County,” said Canales.

Any individual who is concerned should practice the Health Department’s Two-Step, said Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, “Only if you have the common symptoms of COVID-19 found on the CDC website, should you then call the Health Department information line where the Health Department will screen you and pre-approve you for a test. Screen, Test – the Health Department Two-Step to stopping COVID-19.”

Canales said the drive through model announced by Governor Abbott and available in a few other major cities as well as here in Corpus Christi will follow the best practice guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control while assuring patient privacy and confidentiality.

After successfully testing of individuals Sunday, officials with the city and county determined they could successfully screen and test and determined the drive-through testing should move forward.