With the omicron variant of COVID-19 on the rise nationwide and across the state of Texas, many Texans are being encouraged to seek COVID testing options if they suspect they have or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Should you get tested for COVID-19?

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have symptoms of COVID-19, people who've had close contact with others with COVID-19, those not vaccinated against COVID-19, and those who have instructions from school or work to test for COVID-19 should all be tested.

Folks who tested positive within the last 3 months and recovered should not be tested unless they develop symptoms again.

What kind of COVID-19 test do I need?

There are currently three kinds of tests available for COVID-19. Molecular (PCR) tests are used to determine an active infection and may need to be sent to a lab for testing. Antigen (rapid) tests are also used to determine active infection, and generally take less time to process than molecular/PCR tests. Antibody (serology) tests are used to identify antibodies that the patient developed during past infection.

You can learn more about different COVID-19 tests available through the Texas Department of State Health Services here.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Abilene, Texas?

There are multiple free, low- or no-cost options for COVID-19 testing in Abilene and the surrounding area. Because of high demand and slow turnaround times, you are encouraged to contact a testing center for confirmation or an appointment prior to your test.

Affordacare Urgent Care Clinic

  • Testing inside clinic, with pre-screening in the parking lot before entry (find out more here)
  • Free or low-cost testing
  • Appointment or call-ahead available (find out more here)
  • PCR, rapid diagnostic, and rapid antigen tests are available
  • AVAILABLE AT:
    • 3101 S 27th St
    • 4009 Ridgemont Dr
    • 2857 W Washington St, Stephenville

Hendrick Urgent Care

  • Testing inside clinic
  • Free testing
  • Appointment or call-ahead available (find out more here)
  • Only rapid diagnostic tests are available
  • AVAILABLE AT:
    • 820 E Ambler Ave
    • 4424 Buffalo Gap Rd
    • 400 E Commerce St, Brownwood

Walgreens

  • Drive-thru testing at all locations
  • Free testing, limited to certain patients
  • Appointment required (schedule here)
  • PCR, rapid diagnostic, and rapid antigen tests are available
  • AVAILABLE AT:
    • 3303 S 14th St
    • 991 N Willis
    • 5201 Buffalo Gap Rd
    • 1005 N Judge Ely Blvd

CVS Pharmacy

  • Testing inside the pharmacy
  • Free testing, available for all patients
  • Appointment required (schedule here)
  • Test types available are dependent on location
  • AVAILABLE AT
    • 1010 N Willis St
    • 4580 Buffalo Gap Rd
    • 965 Judge Ely Blvd

NextCare Urgent Care

Abilene VA Clinic

  • Testing inside clinic
  • Limited to certain patients
  • Appointment required (schedule here)
  • AVAILABLE AT: 3850-C Ridgemont Dri

Walmart

  • Drive-thru testing at one location
  • Testing available for all patients
  • Appointment required (schedule here)
  • AVAILABLE AT: 1619 Ambler Ave

My Urgent Care Clinic

  • Testing inside clinic
  • Free testing, available for all patients
  • No appointment required (find out more here)
  • AVAILABLE AT: 4438 S Clack St, #200

If you are looking to complete an at-home COVID test, you can learn more about self-testing on the CDC's website.

 What about the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are available to all Texas residents, regardless of insurance status, and are always free. You can find out more about getting your COVID-19 vaccine in Texas here.

If you have any other questions or concerns or would like more information about COVID-19, contact the Texas Department of Health Services by emailing them at coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov, or dial 2-1-1 and choose Option 6.

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Texas

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Texas using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

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