April 2, 2021

Media Contact:

Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536

Charles Gischlar, Deputy Director, Media Relations, 410-767-6491

Maryland Department of Health opens new community COVID-19 testing site in Prince George’s County 

Landover site provides free, no-barrier testing for community; replaces Six Flags, now one of Maryland’s mass vaccination sites; plans to add on-site monoclonal antibody infusion underway

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) will open a new state-run community COVID-19 testing site in Prince George’s County tomorrow, Saturday, April 3. The site, operated by MDH on the campus of the City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover, is capable of providing free testing for more than 500 people per day. Beginning the week of April 5, there will also be a monoclonal antibody infusion treatment facility on-site.

“As more Marylanders become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, it is critical that we continue using every tool at our disposal to end this pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford. “Testing allows us to keep a close eye on when and where the virus spreads and reminds us to be vigilant to keep those who are not yet vaccinated safe.”     

'Offering this community the same testing capabilities of the former site and possible additional treatment options in the same building is a reflection of how equity and flexibility remain top priorities of ours,” said MDH Acting Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “Our partnerships with faith and local leaders, as well as federal partners, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, have helped us create this unique COVID-19 services center.”

The City of Praise Family Ministries location replaces the former community testing site at Six Flags nearby, which began operating as a mass vaccination facility in February. Individuals coming for tests will be coached to swab their own nostrils with guidance from trained personnel under clinical supervision. The services will be located inside of the former church school, which underwent extensive renovations to ensure COVID-19 safety measures are in place, including a newly renovated HVAC and air filtration system. 

The site will be open on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. MDH determined the operational schedule after analyzing testing availability in the community to identify days with the greatest demand. There are no physician referrals needed and walk-ins are welcome.

“This site will be a national model for accessible, high quality COVID-19 testing and treatment services,” said Jon Weinstein, director of the Maryland Testing Task Force. “We look forward to a long partnership with faith and community leaders in getting underserved residents the testing and treatment options they need.”

Plans for the on-site monoclonal antibody treatment are being coordinated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While the infusions are not a cure for COVID-19, they have shown to be effective to lessen symptom severity and help keep high-risk patients out of the hospital. For more information on monoclonal antibody treatment, view MDH’s monoclonal antibody treatment FAQs.

To find a COVID-19 testing site near you, visit covidtest.maryland.gov.

For more information about COVID-19 in Maryland, visit covidLINK.maryland.gov.

For the most recent Maryland COVID-19 data, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.

MEDIA ADVISORY:  

 There will be an opening event for this community COVID-19 testing center tomorrow, (Saturday, April 3) featuring:

• Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford

• Brigadier General Janeen Birckhead, Maryland National Guard and Head of the Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force

• MDH Acting Secretary Dennis R. Schrader

• State and local leaders

• Local faith leaders

• NFL player Myles Humphrey

A short tour of the facility and limited B-roll of guests receiving tests will be offered as part of this event.

Saturday, April 3 / 11 a.m. to noon

City of Praise Ministries / 8500 Jericho City Drive / Landover, MD 20785

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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.