Phoenix Launches 2nd Mobile Testing Van On February 2, 2021

Phoenix AZ

04 February, 2021

2:34 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Phoenix: February 2, 2021 Public Works (Trash and Recycling)Public Works Phoenix Launches Second Mobile Testing Van February 2, 2021 1:00 PM Today, the city of Phoenix launched its second COVID-19 mobile testing van (Van #2) with an announcement from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and the city's medical partner in this new endeavor, Premier Labs Solutions. The announcement of Van #2 was held at Cielito Park, on North 35th and West Campbell avenues, the location of Van #2's first official day of operations. Like Van #1, this new unit will offer COVID-19 antigen testing with rapid results, as well as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing with results emailed to the individual in 1-2 days for added assurance. There are no out-of-pocket-costs for individuals, with or without medical insurance. Van #2 will operate three days a week—Monday OR Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday—from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. While Van #1's goal is to make COVID-19 testing accessible to Phoenix's underserved communities, Van #2 will focus on bringing accessible testing to areas in the city considered to be "hot spots," or areas that are showing a higher incidence of reported COVID-19 cases. "People throughout the city need to be able to access convenient testing, especially those people who rely on public transportation. Van #2, with its focus on area hot spots, will help us deliver on that promise," said Mayor Gallego. "These free tests will make it easier for residents to keep their families healthy and safe." Premier Lab Solutions, a local Phoenix company that delivers convenient lab testing services to various businesses and organizations nationwide, will manage the daily operations of Van #2, administer COVID-19 tests to the community, as well as disseminate results to individuals. In determining locations for Van #2, Premier Lab Solutions will work closely with city of Phoenix staff and Mayor and Council Offices to determine where the "hot spots" are in the city. "I am proud of the partnership we have built with Premier Lab Solutions, a local company who has the expertise, knowledgeable and trained staff, and resources to provide efficient and reliable COVID-19 testing to our community," said District 2 Councilman Jim Waring. "I am grateful for this collaboration and thank them for their service to our residents." Van #2 is a slightly larger van – a 2020 Ford T-350 Transit, customized by the Phoenix Public Works Department's Fleet Management division with an externally mounted generator, A/C unit, refrigerator, USB ports, a foldable work desk and service windows. Other City-supported Accessible COVID19 Tests During today's event, Mayor Gallego also mentioned the launch of a new, city-supported COVID-19 testing service at a fixed site beginning the week of Feb. 8. The static site will be at Maryvale Park, 4420 N. 51st Ave. and will operate three days a week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The tests will be administered by the city's existing medical partner, Vincere Cancer Center, and will offer rapid PCR tests to community members at no out-of-pocket-cost. Other testing services supported by the city include: ExpresCheck at Sky Harbor International Airport, which offers three types of COVID-19 tests to travelers-- a PCR test, a blood antibody test and a Rapid Abbott ID test with results while you wait. Drive-thru testing services, implemented in late May 2020, which are offered on the weekends at various locations in Phoenix. Testing is administered by city partners, Equality Health Foundation and Family Tree Healthcare Mobile Testing Van #1, launched in mid-August 2020, which offers antigen and antibody tests with rapid results. Testing is admiistered by Vincere Cancer Center. Testing services are available to members of the community at no out-of-pocket-cost. The best way to find a complete and updated list of COVID-19 testing services, locations and times is to visit phoenix.gov/COVIDtesting This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author's own.