The site is set to open 9 a.m. Dec. 29 at Delmar Stadium, 2020 Mangum Road, Houston. It will operate daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. with an initial capacity of approximately 1,000 daily tests, according to a Dec. 28 press release from the Houston Health Department.
Houston's new testing site is opening as a rising demand for tests in the city has led to longer wait times, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement.
“As omicron cases surge in Houston and across the country, I applaud people for getting tested before traveling, gathering with loved ones or returning to work," Turner said. "Testing and vaccination will help slow the virus spread and save lives.”
The number of COVID-19 cases confirmed per day in the Texas Medical Center and the number of new COVID-19 patients admitted to TMC hospitals per day are both on the rise, with more than 5,000 people testing positive for the virus Dec. 26.
“With omicron being much more contagious than previous strains and causing more breakthrough infections, testing is an important tool to slow the spread," said David Persse, chief medical officer for the city of Houston, in a statement.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend an individual get tested after having close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19. Persse also recommended people get tested if they recently participated in a gathering with people who do not live in their homes.
Appointments are required for the new site and can be made on Curative's website or by calling 888-702-9042.
There is no cost to get tested or vaccinated at city sites, and individuals do not need to show proof of residency, citizenship or insurance to get tested. Additional info on the city's testing sites can be found here.
The site will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
