Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing event extended in south Phoenix

PHOENIX - Due to the increasing number of people looking to get tested for the coronavirus, HeroZona Foundation is extending the hours of its free drive-thru testing blitz.

Testing will now be Tuesdays through Fridays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. until August 7 at South Mountain Community College, 7050 S. 24th St. in Phoenix.

Those looking to be tested do not need to preregister or make an appointment, you'll just need a valid form of ID.

COVID-19 symptoms are not needed to get a test for a current infection. This is not an antibody test.

The testing is a partnership between the HeroZona Foundation, Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65, Maricopa County’s District 5 and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Amouris Coss)

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Monitor your health daily

MAP: Worldwide interactive Coronavirus case data

MAP: Arizona Coronavirus cases by zip code

FULL COVERAGE: fox10phoenix.com/coronavirus

CDC: How coronavirus spreads, symptoms, prevention, treatment, FAQ

Arizona COVID-19 resources, FAQ: azdhs.gov/coronavirus

On CoronavirusNOW.com, you'll find extensive coverage about COVID-19, including breaking news from around the country, exclusive interviews with health officials, and informative content from a variety of public health resources.

What is coronavirus?

From how it spreads to where it originated, here's a look at everything you need to know about the deadly contagion.

RELATED:

Coronavirus in Arizona: Latest case numbers
Coronavirus: Symptoms, testing and how to prepare amid growing COVID-19 outbreak
How coronavirus differs from flu: Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

Health Coronavirus/coronavirus In-arizona News Us Az/maricopa County/phoenix