As of Thursday, Arizona still ranks last among states when it comes to the number of COVID-19 tests per capita, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. A statewide testing blitz over three consecutive weekends was supposed to address that. But some testing sites have been underutilized.
Last Saturday was the first day of the testing blitz. The goal was to perform 10,000 to 20,000 tests statewide. But, as of Thursday, Arizona Department of Health Services data shows only around 5,000 tests were collected that day.
Maready Medical in Mesa had capacity to perform 500 tests last weekend, said business director Sonny Hastings but only around 200 people showed up. Most appointment slots at that site are still open for this weekend, he said.
“There’s availability this Saturday whether they come to our site or another site throughout Arizona, and if they want to be tested, they can," Hastings said.
More than 40 locations around the state will offer testing May 9 and May 16.
