COVID-19 community testing sites offering no-cost antigen tests
Testing sites in San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach, Paso Robles will offer antigen tests starting next week
– Beginning next week, COVID-19 community testing sites in Grover Beach, Paso Robles, and San Luis Obispo will offer antigen tests as well as PCR tests. Antigen test results will be available in less than two hours (often within 30 minutes), and PCR test results will generally be available in less than two days. There will be no cost to the patient for either type of test.
“Since the pandemic began, we have been working toward a day when residents could easily access free, plentiful COVID-19 testing with results available quickly. This is now a reality in SLO County,” said County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein. “If you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms, from a sore throat or cough to fever or headache, please take a few minutes to get tested. You’ll be helping protect your loved ones and help keep this pandemic under control here in SLO County.”
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 and tests negative on an antigen test will be offered a more sensitive PCR test, which may detect infection earlier. All tests will be performed on-site by a clinician and will not be distributed for use at home. (Home tests may be ordered at no cost from CovidTests.gov and are available for purchase, with insurance reimbursement, at pharmacies and other retailers.)
The COVID-19 community testing site in Morro Bay will close permanently on Wednesday, March 30 due to a sustained decrease in demand. With this change, SLO County’s community testing sites will include Grover Beach (1336 Ramona Avenue, Suite A), Paso Robles Train Station (800 Pine Street), and San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall (801 Grand Avenue). All sites are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and are closed from 11 a.m.–12 noon and 4-5 p.m. The Grover Beach site is closed on Fridays.
For those who have health insurance, information will be collected when registering for an appointment and no co-pay is required. There is no charge for those without insurance. The County of San Luis Obispo and State of California are contracting with OptumServe to provide this service.
Appointments are plentiful and strongly recommended. Find details and make an appointment at slopublichealth.org/testing.
For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit slopublichealth.org/COVID19 or call the recorded public health information line at (805) 788-2903. Phone assistance is available at (805) 781-5500 Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Follow all Paso Robles COVID-19 coronavirus news updates
- San Luis Obispo County COVID-19 website – readyslo.org
Comments
