PHOENIX — Arizona now has the ability to do 5,000 tests a day through its free surge testing, but where are the people?
It took four days for Arizona to reach 5,000 tests despite the state saying they could test 5,000 people a day.
On Monday, Arizona reported 5,537 tests since the surge sites started last Friday.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Arizona Department of Health Services said that there are thousands of free COVID-19 tests still available.
“The free testing offered at our surge testing sites is available to all Arizonans, whether or not you live in these areas,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “We encourage anyone who wants to get tested for COVID-19 to take advantage of this opportunity, even if you do not have symptoms. No one will be turned away.”
Testing is available at South Mountain Park, 10919 S. Central Avenue, 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 azhealth.gov/SurgeTesting.
ABC15 asked the governor’s office where the people are as the demand seems to have dropped.
A member of the governor’s staff said they are seeing positive signs in terms of the decline in case growth, percent positivity and in the COVID-like illness surveillance, but adds we can’t let up.
The governor’s office went on to say that the best way to slow the spread is to identify it, and contain it and the best way to do that is testing.
Despite long wait times for test results in Arizona, ADHS said results with the federal partners will be within two days.
Test results at the two locations are being sent out of state.
“Results will be available within 24-48 hours from the time specimens arrive at the lab. Tested individuals will receive their results through an online portal,” a press release read.