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Free COVID-19 “Drive Thru” Testing Site in SoMa Opens April 17

SF opens up new testing site for the public for up to 200 people/day. Appointments begin Friday
By - posted 4/16/2020 No Comment

Mayor London N. Breed and the Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax announced on Wednesday the creation of a new COVID-19 testing facility, CityTestSF in SoMa.

San Franciscans experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19 can screen their symptoms and, if eligible, can make an appointment online for testing at CityTestSF. From the press release and website, it does not appear that you need a doctor’s referal.

In partnership with Verily and One Medical, San Francisco will operate a new COVID-19 testing site for the public, further increasing testing capacity and bolstering the City’s response to the pandemic. Read full Press Release

Sign Up for an Appointment – See if you are eligible

The testing facility is located at 600 7th Street in SoMa. CityTestSF – SoMa will open and begin drive-through operations by appointment on Friday, April 17. This site will initially be able to test up to 200 people per day, with a goal to offer walk-up access and increase capacity in the coming weeks.

In order to follow social distancing guidelines, testing at CityTestSF sites is available by appointment only.

Who’s eligible to get screened for COVID-19 testing?

  • Age 18 or older
  • Able to drive to a testing site location (walk up testing will be implemented at a later date)
  • Willing to sign COVID-19 Public Health authorization form and lab consent
  • This program is first focusing on high-risk populations as advised by the California Department of Public Health guidelines.
  • Testing will be provided to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, regardless of their ability to pay.
  • What if you have severe symptoms? This program is intended to expand access to COVID-19 risk screening and testing. It is not intended for people experiencing severe symptoms such as severe cough, severe shortness of breath, severe fever, or other concerning symptoms who may need more immediate medical care. Please visit the CDC website for information on what to do if you are sick.

If you want to know more about the steps involved or learn more about the program go to the Project Baseline website.

All results will be communicated, positive or negative, back to those who are tested. Individuals will receive the results about 2-5 days after testing, but this may take longer due to lab capacity. If you test positive, you’ll get a phone call from a qualified healthcare professional.