Drive-through testing site opens in St. John Parish as COVID-19 numbers rise

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, La. (WVUE) - With nearly 366 positive cases of COVID-19 and 24 deaths, St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard said the parish will hold drive-thru testing starting Today through Thursday.

The service is for symptomatic patients at Oschner location in LaPlace. Residents will need provide identification to prove residency.

Sheriff Mike Tregre says nine officers tested for COVID-19 and 4 tested positive. Tregre says the department is getting calls about people not adhering to social distancing.

As of now, it appears the curfew is working. “We are not trying to arrest people during this pandemic,” he said.

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Hotard said 50 tests will be given out each day at the drive through location. Everyone will be tested regardless of if they have insurance.

Drive-thru testing will be available to residents of St. John the Baptist Parish who are symptomatic from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., or until the day’s allotted tests have been administered.

St. John the Baptist Parish residents who have received a physician’s order for COVID-19 testing will have a scheduled appointment from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Residents should enter the drive-thru testing location through the rear entrance of the Ochsner Medical Complex - River Parishes parking lot, and patients will remain in their vehicles for testing. An Ochsner provider will contact the patient with the results once they become available.

Ochsner Medical Complex - River Parishes is located at 1900 W Airline Highway, Laplace, LA 70068.

9 a.m. - noon

Testing will be available for St. John the Baptist residents who are 18 years and older experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 (ex: fever, cough, shortness of breath)

Residents will need to provide a valid state ID or driver's license to prove their residence in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Testing is limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. It is recommended that residents follow other steps first (outlined further in the press release) before showing up at the drive-thru testing site.

1 - 4 p.m.

Testing will be available for St. John the Baptist residents who have been evaluated by an Ochsner physician through a virtual visit.

A physician's order will be required.

Patients will be given a scheduled appointment time.

Residents will need to provide a valid state ID or driver’s license to prove their residence in St. John the Baptist Parish.

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