Free COVID-19 Testing Available This Week to El Paso Residents

El Paso County continues to see a massive surge in positive virus cases for a second week in a row.

The alarming increase has City-County Local Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza "begging" El Pasoans for immediate action to stop the spread.

"The number of positive cases and hospitalizations will continue to rise by record numbers unless each and every one of us take full responsibility for our actions and promote change as we have been appealing, mandating and begging,” said Dr. Ocaranza in a city press release. “Do not just do it for yourselves but for the health and wellness of your family, friends and our community."

One action that can be taken to help slow the spread is to get a coronavirus test. No-cost tests are being offered to any resident of El Paso County 5 years or older with or without symptoms.

Tests are being administered at a handful of county sites and three locations inside El Paso city limits this week, Oct. 12 - Oct. 19. The nasal swabs continue to be conducted by the state contractor, HONU, inside city limits and by the Texas Military Department Mobile Testing Team in the county's rural communities.

State Testing Sites City of El Paso

No appointments needed, however, once the daily capacity is met the site will be closed for the day to additional testing.

• Nations Tobin Recreation Center; 8831 Railroad Dr., 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• El Paso Community College Valle Verde Campus, 919 Hunter Dr., 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• SISD Student Activities Complex, Sunday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

State Testing El Paso County

The Drive-thru testing locations posted below will be operational from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the specific dates and locations only, and available on a first come, first serve basis. No appointment necessary, however, once the daily capacity of 500 is met the site will be closed to additional testing.

• Monday, October 12, Montana Vista Fire Station #2; 5411 Paso View Dr., El Paso, TX
• Wednesday, October 14, West Valley Fire Department; 510 Vinton Rd., Anthony, TX
• Friday, October 16, El Paso County ESD #2 Fire Station; 11440 N. Loop, Socorro, TX
• Monday, October 19, El Paso County ESD #2 HQ, 16001 Socorro Rd., Fabens, TX