Ascension to open West Bank COVID-19 testing site

President Clint Cointment announced today that Ascension Parish has been working with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the Louisiana National Guard to open a drive-thru testing site for people looking to be tested for COVID-19.

“We worked with the Governor’s office and the National Guard to determine the best site for the test, and decided the West Bank of Ascension was the most optimal,” said Cointment.

Cointment and the Ascension Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness worked with state and federal officials to secure the tests and the manpower to administer them.

“The tests are free, and people will administer their own tests inside their vehicles,” said Cointment, noting that they will offer the self-swabbing Quest test. They will be distributed by members of the Louisiana National Guard.

The testing site will be at Donaldsonville Primary School, 38210 LA Hwy 3089, in Donaldsonville. It opens Monday, April 27, for emergency first responders and medical providers only. The general public is welcome beginning Tuesday, April 28, between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon.

The test is drive-thru only. No one will be allowed to exit their vehicles, and no vehicles with pets inside will be allowed through the testing site. Children under age 18 will not be tested. Candidates for testing must be over 18 years of age and have a Louisiana ID. A doctor’s order is not required. People will be assessed once they arrive at the site. Those meeting the testing requirements will proceed to the testing area to receive a self-test kit. Once the testing is complete, the vehicle will be directed off the site. Any person not meeting the minimum requirements for testing will be directed off site, bypassing the testing area.