Baltimore County to Offer Appointment-Free Testing on Thursday

Residents with Mild or No Symptoms May Now Be Tested Without a Doctor's Order

On Thursday, May 21, Baltimore County will offer drive-through COVID-19 testing at the Maryland State Fairgrounds testing site without requiring an appointment. This will be the first appointment-free testing offered by the County.

"Sufficient access to testing is a critical factor in being able to safely reopen our economy, but Maryland has lagged behind other states in testing. The availability of appointment-free testing is an important expansion of capacity, both here in Baltimore County and statewide," Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said.

"Providing testing for persons who are both symptomatic and asymptomatic will help to better contain the spread of the virus," said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer. "This is especially true since those that are positive for COVID-19 are at risk for transmitting the disease up to two days before they begin displaying symptoms."

Procedure and Guidelines

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, residents may receive a test without an appointment or an order from a doctor. Individuals wishing to receive a test must bring a photo ID, and they are encouraged to bring a cell phone to facilitate safe communication with testing staff on site. Adults bringing a minor for testing should write down the child's name and date of birth on a sheet of paper and have it ready to present to staff upon arrival. After completing a test, individuals will be provided with information on how to obtain the results, and what to do if the test results are positive.

All individuals arriving at the testing site are asked to adhere to safety guidelines, including wearing face coverings, observing social distancing and following post-test instructions received at the sites. Additionally, individuals are reminded to continue to practice social distancing and wearing face coverings whenever they are in public spaces.

Information about future appointment-free testing dates and sites will be made available in the coming days.

Testing by Appointment Continues at Four Locations

In addition to Thursday's appointment-free testing clinic, Baltimore County will continue to operate testing by appointment and with a doctor's order at the following locations on the days indicated:

• Liberty Family Resource Center, 3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, Maryland 21133
  Mondays by appointment (Closed on Memorial Day)

• Dundalk Health Center, 7700 Dunmanway, Dundalk, Maryland 21222
  Mondays by appointment (Closed on Memorial Day)

• Maryland Vehicle Emissions Program (VEIP), 11510 Cronridge Drive, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
  Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment

• Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, 2200 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093
  Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment

For questions and additional information, call the Baltimore County COVID-19 Hotline seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 410-887-3816.