Two new drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites will open to the public in Montgomery County this week through a partnership between Kroger and the county government, the grocery chain announced May 11.
The new test sites will operate in Magnolia and The Woodlands, according to Kroger and social media posts by Montgomery County officials. The grocery company said tests will be provided for priority groups, including first responders, health care workers and those with COVID-19 symptoms. Testing will be conducted by Kroger Health staff.
“There is a critical need for testing across our city, and it’s important that we step up to meet that need,” Kroger Houston President Joe Kelley said in a statement. “We have an amazing team of health care professionals who will provide testing at these sites across Houston as we work together to help flatten the curve.”
Anyone wishing to visit one of the sites can use Kroger Health's online screening tool to complete a COVID-19 testing assessment and register for a testing appointment if approved.
“This is an excellent example of a public private partnership, and we are thrilled to be joining Kroger in this program,” said Darren Hess, Montgomery County's director of homeland security and emergency management, in Kroger's statement. “The residents of Montgomery County are in need of this critical testing, and Kroger has always been a valued partner in Montgomery County. We are excited that their team of healthcare professionals have the ability to provide this program for our citizens."
Magnolia's testing site, located at the office of Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley at 19110 Unity Park Drive, will be open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from May 12-14. The Woodlands testing site, located at the Bear Branch Sportsfields at 5205 Research Forest Drive, will be open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from May 15-17.
The news release from Kroger stated the company had partnered with Harris County at two existing testing sites in Katy and Baytown, although no further details on the extent of the partnership were announced May 11. Those sites—located at Legacy Stadium at 1830 Katyland Drive, Katy, and Stallworth Stadium at 2102 E. Archer Road, Baytown, are operating from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Kroger spokesperson Clara Campbell said the company is also supporting a fifth mobile testing site with the city of Houston, although the site's location is not set and will change based on the city's changing needs.
More information about Kroger Health and online care services may be found at www.krogerhealth.com.
