PORT ARTHUR, Texas — COVID-19 test results are taking longer than expected. Some labs are overwhelmed.
'Rapid tests' would dramatically reduce the wait and get people answers on demand. But where are the rapid tests?
12News Investigates is trying to tack down where the tests are going and when they'll arrive in our area.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that some Texas hospitals would receive the rapid tests to check patients for coronavirus.
The company that makes the tests says it can have results in as little as five minutes.
When are they getting to Southeast Texas?
A company representative says they can't give those details.
According to Abbott Laboratories, 190,000 rapid tests have been sent to 21 states.
Gov. Greg Abbott says 10,000 are on the way to Texas, but didn't say where exactly.
Abbott Laboratories is currently producing 50,000 tests daily.
The company plans to have 2 million tests made per month by June.
The company says the priority will be given to outbreak hot spots, healthcare workers and first responders.
Meanwhile, Walgreens announced on Tuesday 15 new testing sites, using the rapid tests, will open in seven states. This includes Texas.
A company representative says the locations are being finalized, and couldn't say if any Southeast Texas Walgreens will be included.
Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick says he's been asking about the rapid tests since Friday.
He doesn't know when they will arrive in Southeast Texas either.