AUSTIN, Texas – In an attempt to identify those who are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms caused by COVID-19, the City of Austin is opening up testing by no longer requiring a physician referral in order to get a test.

Those hoping to be tested will still have to be pre-approved, but starting next week they will be able to fill out an online questionnaire.

The city notes that not everyone who fills out the form will be approved for testing. Community members will be able to fill out the questionnaire again as their symptoms change.

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“The launch of the Public Testing Enrollment Form will be a pivotal point in the testing capability for our community,” said Dr. Mark Escott, Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority, in an emailed statement. “As we gather more data through more testing, we will be provided a more complete picture of the impact of COVID-19 in Austin-Travis County.”

If you’re approved for testing, you will be able to schedule an appointment for either Austin Public Health drive-through testing or testing through a community partner if they don’t have access to transportation.

The online questionnaire is not yet open to the public but will be found at this website when it’s available.