COVINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky is ramping up the fight against COVID-19 with a new drive-thru testing site in Northern Kentucky. The free testing site opened Monday and will continue throughout the week.


What You Need To Know

  • New COVID-19 testing site opens in Northern Kentucky

  • Location can handle hundreds of tests per day

  • Kentucky National Guard operating the site

  • Testing is free but by appointment only

Located at the former IRS facility in Covington, the location's massive parking lot can handle hundreds of tests as cars line up. City Manager David Johnston said the Kentucky National Guard is operating the site.

Ludlow resident Michelle Long took advantage of the new site.

“We came out because we were having a rash, which they thought it maybe the COVID[-19] and my husband has lung disease and heart disease, and we’re both elderly, so we want to see if that could be the COVID[-19],” Long said.

“Up until now, the testing sites in Kenton County have been in the Southern part of the county, Erlanger and Independence, and unfortunately, we have a large population that has low to moderate income and transportation to get to those centers ---are limited,” Johnston said.

On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the expanded testing. It’s a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and state and local government.

“Northern Kentucky has been hit really hard recently by this virus. Cincinnati of course hit worse. In Northern Kentucky we are now moving a federal surge testing to provide a, this is I believe the third testing location in Northern Kentucky,” Beshear said.

Long said she and her husband were surprised there weren't long lines.

“We expected long lines here. We could not believe it. Because it’s so convenient, it’s quick and it’s wonderful,” Long said.

Hours for the testing operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m for the rest of the week.

Testing is free but by appointment only. Registration is available online.