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Since demand for COVID-19 testing sites in New Orleans has decreased, Louisiana state officials have moved federally-run sites to the River Parishes to be offered as locally-run points of testing.

In St. James Parish, a drive-thru testing site operated by the National Guard will be open in Gramercy starting on Wednesday, April 15 for first responders and seniors 65 or over and for the general public on Thursday, April 16.

The testing site will initially be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to noon or until all 250 daily-allocated tests are utilized. However, days and hours of operation are subject to change based on volume. Cars that are not in line by noon must come back the next day of testing. Participants must be 18 or over and bring a driver’s license or state-issued ID.

The public can enter the testing site from the Main Street entrance of Golden Grove Road (next to Sacred Heart Church) and follow signage to screenings, registration and swabbing. Those who wish to be tested will be screened for symptoms and asked about contact with any known COVID-19 patients.

Results will be shared with participants by phone within seven days. Calls will come from the number 225.258.2090 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Due to privacy laws, results cannot be communicated through voicemail messages. Three follow-up calls will be attempted.