The Arizona Department of Health Services, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services continue to provide free diagnostic testing in Maryvale and south Phoenix.

The federal strike team, working with AZDHS, DEMA, and Phoenix Incident Command on logistics, have launched two testing sites that will continue to provide free diagnostic testing for COVID-19 through Tuesday, July 28 in these high-need, underserved communities.

“We have worked to increase access to testing to highly impacted areas of the state,” stated Dr. Cara Christ, AZDHS director. “Over the last several weeks, we have seen high demand and extended wait times for testing. Addition of these new free testing sites has helped meet this demand, with much shorter wait times and significant appointment availability for people who need to be tested.  We appreciate the help from our federal, state, and local partners to increase access to testing.”

With both sites operating throughout the weekend, there have been minimal wait times and plenty of available appointments, according to a release. Through this partnership, HHS has committed up to 5,000 tests per day — 2,500 at each site — to serve up to 60,000 Arizonans. As of Monday morning, only 4,545 of the 15,000 available tests since Friday have been used.

The testing began Friday, July 17, and will continue for a total of 12 days at South Mountain Park, 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042, and Maryvale High School, 3415 N. 59th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85033.

Information on pre-registration for the testing sites is available at www.azhealth.gov/SurgeTesting. To ensure an appointment, participants are encouraged to pre-register. This test involves a self-administered nasal swab in a drive-thru stall. Those tested will receive five cloth face coverings. Results will be available within 24-48 hours from the time specimens arrive at the lab. The tested individual will receive the results through an online portal.

“The free testing offered at our surge testing sites is available to all Arizonans, whether or not you live in these areas,” Gov. Doug Ducey stated. “We encourage anyone who wants to get tested for COVID-19 to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Arizonans can take the following precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wear a mask every time you are in public, even if you do not feel sick.
• Physically distance by staying at least six feet away from others who are not in your household when you are in public.
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
• Arizonans at higher risk for severe illness should continue to stay at home and avoid crowded public spaces. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) and immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Healthcare providers are offering testing at over 300 testing locations statewide. People are encouraged to follow the instructions on the testing website as many of the healthcare providers require individuals to pre-register for testing and may have other requirements to get tested. Testing locations along with appointment times and registration links can be found online at www.azhealth.gov/testing.