Matt Richardson, Denton County Public Health director, told county commissioners Nov. 9 that without proper preparation, holiday gatherings could turn Thanksgiving into “a superspreader holiday” in the county and beyond. Officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services recommend celebrating in person with those in one's household and connecting virtually with those who live elsewhere.
As coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in the region, free COVID-19 testing is available to everyone in the area. Click on the test locations on the map below for details at each site.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management is funding seven of the drive-thru COVID-19 saliva testing sites being operated by Curative Inc. That company reports that its test has an 89% accuracy rate and that participants receive results within two to four days.
Since it began operations Aug. 3, the Frisco site in Toyota Stadium’s Corolla Red Lot has conducted about 56,000 tests.
Frisco Fire Battalion Chief Jake Owen, who represents the city of Frisco at the testing site, said he expects the site will continue operating for the foreseeable future.
“The state of Texas has committed to maintain operations as long as a demand is present,” Owen said via email. “I am optimistic that we will continue operations into the new year.”
Advance registration is required at http://texas.curativeinc.com, and appointments are available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, though the site will be closed Nov. 26-29 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
A video with instructions on the testing process is available here. The video states those who wish to be tested should not eat, drink, smoke or brush their teeth for 20 minutes before taking the test. The FDA-approved test is an observed self-collected test, which means participants are given the testing materials and instructions to collect their own sample while they remain inside their vehicles.
