Ask Arlington: How to Get Tested for Coronavirus
By Office of Communication
Posted on April 24, 2020, April 24, 2020

A special edition of Ask Arlington on MyArlingtonTV provides an update for residents on the City’s free coronavirus testing program. Here are your most common questions answered. 

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. You can register by clicking here. 

Where is the testing site?

You will receive the location address after you have been approved for testing. 

Why is testing so important?

Testing helps us determine who has the virus. It also lets us trace who those people came in contact with so they can begin a quarantine process. Testing and tracing are two top ways to slow the spread of COVID-19.

What is the cost?

Testing is free. 

Who should get tested and how does it work?

Only adults with symptoms are eligible for the free testing at this time. COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

How soon will results be available?

Results take about 4-5 days.

What should I bring to the testing site?

You must bring a photo ID with your current Tarrant County address. 


The overall number of hospitalizations related to COVID-19 have decreased in Arlington over the past two weeks and the Arlington Fire Department continues to monitor the following:

  • Hospital bed counts in Arlington hospitals
  • The number of COVID-19 patients
  • The number of ventilators and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

The City of Arlington's local declaration of disaster remains in effect through April 30, 2020. This order restricts how people work, travel and gather in public as part of the fight against COVID-19.

Residents are encouraged to continue practicing social distancing of at least six feet, which continues to make a positive impact and help decrease the overall spread and exposure of the virus. The Arlington Fire Department and Tarrant County Public Health also remind everyone to continue to follow basic preventive measures to protect from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. These include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick. If you have trouble breathing or a persistent fever, call your primary care provider for instructions.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.
• Frequently clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces.

For daily news updates, city program/service closings information or more details about the Stay Home, Work Safe order during the coronavirus outbreak, please visit www.arlingtontx.gov/coronavirus.

The City is also urging all residents to support small businesses and local restaurants during this time. Be sure to check your favorite Arlington businesses’ websites and social media pages for news about online ordering, delivery, curbside pick-up, drive-thru and shipping options they may be offering to customers. You can visit www.arlingtontx.gov/shoplocal for more information.

A special edition of Ask Arlington on MyArlingtonTV answers some of the questions we’re seeing from residents on social media related to the City’s response to the respiratory disease, COVID-19.

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