Metro Health to open 3 additional COVID-19 testing sites, test results delayed

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — Metro Health is opening three more COVID-19 test sites in San Antonio, upping the total announced since last week to six.

The health department announced the opening of three sites last week with plans for three additional sites to open.

The push for mass test sites as Bexar County, much like the rest of the nation, is dealing with a surge of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, causing a shortage of home tests and long lines at testing centers around town.

The test sites are walk-up only. Officials said that results would typically be provided within 24 hours, but city officials said today that results may take up to two to three days due to increased testing volumes and other logistical factors such as severe weather.

The new mass testing sites will be located at:

  • Yates Community Center at 568 Rasa Drive
    • It will open Tuesday, January 11, with hours of operation Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Melendrez Community Center at 5919 W. Commerce Street
    • It will open Wednesday, January 12 with hours of operation Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Copernicus Community Center, 5003 Lord Rd.
    • It will open Thursday, January 13 with hours of operation Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The three sites opened last week are located at:

  • The Alamo Colleges District Support Operations Building at 2222 N. Alamo St.
    • It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Palo Alto College in Building 20 at 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. It will open tomorrow
    • It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Palo Alto College in Building 20 a 1400 W. Villaret Blvd
    • It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The mass testing locations are all operated by Community Labs. There are also 17 test sites operated through Curative Lab. Appointments must be made prior to testing.

City officials are also urging residents to be vigilant about where they are getting tested as scam test sites have begun popping up around town. These scammers are seeking to get information off of ID cards and do not actually provide any actual testing.

“We’ve been keeping a close eye on the pandemic throughout the entire response which has allowed us to adjust and leverage resources when they are needed,” said Metro Health Director Claude A. Jacob. “Within a week, Metro Health’s six new test sites have increased dramatically the testing capacity in our community. We can contain this pandemic through testing, masking up and getting vaccinated.”

More about: