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NEDERLAND — A CVS Pharmacy in Nederland will soon offer drive-thru testing for coronavirus.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday morning that 44 CVS pharmacies across Texas will utilize self-swab tests and will be available to individuals who meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, in addition to age guidelines. CVS plans to have more than 80 drive-thru locations in the state by the end of May, according to a news release from Abbott’s office.

Patients must register in advance at CVS.com, starting Friday (May 22) to schedule an appointment.

The Nederland location offering the test is at 2712 FM 365. Beaumont has a location, as well, offering the test at 2950 North Dowlen Road. No location was listed for Port Arthur.

Houston’s testing locations include 15010 Memorial Dr., 1003 Richmond Ave., 5402 Westheimer Rd., 2469 Bay Area and 5603 FM 1960 West.

“Texas continues to rapidly ramp up COVID-19 testing in our communities, and these new drive-thru testing sites provided by CVS Health will further expand access to these tests throughout the state,” Abbott said. “I thank CVS Health for establishing these drive-thru testing sites here in the Lone Star State. We are committed to working with our health partners in the public and private sectors to expand our testing capabilities, protect public health and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

Patients will be required to stay in vehicles and directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window to pick up a test kit with instructions.

A CVS Pharmacy team member will observe the self-swab process to make sure it’s done correctly, and tests will be sent to an independent lab for processing.

Walk-ups will not be allowed.

Results will be available in approximately three days.

CVS Health President and CEO Larry J. Merlo said in the release large-scale test sites his business has operated were successful, but the new approach brings testing closer to home.

“Our frontline employees will continue to play a critical role in the testing process, with members of their communities directly benefitting from their dedication and selflessness.”

Other locations in Mid- and South County for coronavirus testing include:

• Gulf Coast Health Center, 2548 Memorial Blvd., Port Arthur (appointment needed, phone 409-983-1161);
• Minute Clinic, 2712 FM 365, Nederland (appointment needed, phone 800-389-2727);
• Mid-County Urgent Care, 1908 FM 365, Nederland;
• Golden Triangle Emergency Center, 8035 Memorial Blvd., Port Arthur; and
• Exceptional Emergency Center, 3330 FM 365, Port Arthur.