Harris Teeter Readies for Free COVID-19 Drive-Thru Test Sites

As part of its parent company’s expansion of its drive-thru COVID-19 test sites to 50 locations in more than 12 states, Harris Teeter is locking arms with Kroger Health and The Little Clinic to offer free coronavirus tests for qualifying individuals in the Carolinas.

The Matthews, N.C.-based wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co.—which is aiming to administer up to 100,000 tests by the end of May—will begin COVID-19 testing May 15 at the following locations:

Testing will be conducted three days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments will be available each Friday, Saturday and Monday through May 30, with the exception of Memorial Day.

“Harris Teeter is committed to being there for our communities when they need us most,” Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter, said in a statement. “We’re grateful we are able to partner with Guilford, Hoke and Charleston counties to provide free testing to qualified community members.”

Tests are available to qualifying individuals by appointment only after completing a risk assessment online.

“Kroger Health is proud to partner with Harris Teeter in this important effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. “This aligns perfectly with our vision, which is to help people live healthier lives.”

The on-site testing is supported with lab services provided by eTrueNorth, a contractor of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Earlier this week, Kroger announced plans to open five new drive-thru testing locations across the greater Houston area. “There is a critical need for testing across our city, and it’s important that we step up to meet that need,” said Kroger Houston Division President Joe Kelley.

The city of Houston, along with Harris and Montgomery counties, are collaborating for the free testing for all priority groups, including healthcare workers, first responders and symptomatic groups.

In addition, Kroger Health is also providing free COVID-19 tests for all associates following a pilot launch for site-specific testing for company associates in Michigan and Colorado. Kroger’s healthcare division said it will offer COVID-19 testing to associates based on symptoms and medical need. Tests will be a combination of self-administered kits and the company's public drive-thru testing sites. Kroger Health’s expansion to test more associates joins the COVID-19 testing the team has already been supporting in areas with high incident rates.

“The resilience of the Kroger family is unparalleled, and we're doing all we can to keep our team healthy and safe,” said Lindholz. “The widespread availability of diagnostic testing will now allow our associates to feel more empowered and knowledgeable about their health, creating safer stores and facilities.”