Walgreens to add drive-through testing to 15 locations in 7 states

In an effort to increase access to COVID-19 testing, Walgreens is planning to add drive-through testing for the novel coronavirus to 15 new sites in seven states. The company said that it is working on finalizing the sites with the Department of Health and Human Services, with a focus on select hotspot markets in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas. 

“Walgreens remains committed to working with federal, state and local governments, as well as industry partners to meet the needs of the communities we serve across the country during the pandemic,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president. “We’re continuing to do everything we can, both with our own resources and also by partnering with others, to serve as an access point within the community for COVID-19 testing. Opening our first drive-thru testing location last month has allowed us to quickly learn and develop an efficient and scalable process, and we’re pleased to be working with Abbott to help accelerate our efforts, and to enable quick results for those being tested.”

Walgreens said the testing sites would use Abbott’s new ID NOW COVID-19 test, which can deliver positive results in as little as five minutes and negative results within 13 minutes. 

Walgreens said the company would dedicate temporary space at select locations outside of stores where pharmacists will supervise the self-administered tests. The company also said it plans to add functionality to Walgreens.com and its mobile app for patients to use an online assessment tool that will direct them to testing locations. Patients who meet certain criteria will not have to pay for the test, and patients will need to pre-register to schedule a testing appointment.