HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0002) IR 21-10578 - COVID-19 Testing AlternativesINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 21-10578
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council May 11, 2021
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SUBJECT: COVID-19 TESTING ALTERNATIVES
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On March 23, 2021, an informal report was presented to City Council regarding COVID-19 testing
sites. As previously reported, demand for testing began to decline dramatically in January 2021.
In Feburary 2021, local staff and resources shifted from testing operations to vaccination sites.
The City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County coordinated with the State of Texas and State
contractors to continue public testing services at two Fort Worth locations: JP Elder Middle
School and Tarrant County College — South Campus.
In March and April 2021, demand for testing continued to decline. At the end of March 2021,the
Tarrant County College — South Campus location provided fewer than 25 tests per day, and the
site was closed by the State on March 31, 2021. At the end of April 2021, the JP Elder Midle
School location provided fewer than 20 tests per day, and the site was again closed by the State
on April 30, 2021.
COVID-19 Testing Options
COVID-19 testing remains widely available at pharmacies, hospitals, doctor's offices and private
contractor sites throughout the community. These tests typically require health insurance or cash
payment. However, free testing (provided by the State of Texas) is still available in Tarrant
County:
• TCC - Southeast Campus (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily; cheek swab method)
2100 Southeast Parkway, Arlington, TX 76108
• Tarrant County Northeast Annex (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily; cheek swab method)
837 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX 76022
The State of Texas will continue to monitor use at these two public, no -cost locations, each
month; sites are anticipated to close when utilization drops. In addition to these resources, the
City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County will assist any resident with access to testing with materials
and partners. These tests are available at no cost, with or without insurance. As a reminder, the
City is prepared to reinstate testing options throughout the community, if public demand returns.
For a full list of available testing locations, visit: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/covid-19/testing.
Anyone needing assistance accessing a free COVID-19 test can contact the COVID-19 hotline by
calling 817-392-8478 or emailing COVID19@fortworthtexas.gov.
For questions regarding this information, please contact Brandon Bennett, Code Compliance
Director, at 817-391-6322.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS