Three COVID-19 testing sites to close
Sites in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach to close Jan. 20
– The COVID-19 community testing sites in Paso Robles Grover Beach, and San Luis Obispo will close at the end of the day on Jan. 20 along with many others across California following the loss of state funding. These no-cost community testing sites have been funded by the California Department of Public Health, with operational support provided by local agencies. Local officials want to share other testing and treatment options available to those in our community.
“Testing remains an important part of preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein. “While it is disappointing that our community sites are closing, I encourage residents to use rapid home tests or visit one of the other testing providers in our community. For those who have relied on these sites and need support lining up another option, I encourage you to contact our team—we are here to help you through this transition.”
Free rapid home tests are available from the U.S. government. Health insurance plans (including employer plans, Medi-Cal, and plans through Covered California) are required to cover or reimburse the cost of eight rapid tests per month for each person on your plan. Many healthcare providers in SLO County now also offer COVID-19 testing. SLO County residents who need support accessing rapid tests or PCR testing may contact the Public Health Department online or at (805) 781-5500.
For those who test positive with a home test and do not have health insurance or can’t reach their regular healthcare provider within 24 hours, free COVID-19 telehealth appointments are available online or by phone, with treatment prescribed at no cost if indicated. Health officials strongly encourage residents to take advantage of this convenient free resource. Treatment is important to lessen the impacts of infections for not only the infected person but also for their contacts.
Community testing sites have conducted more than 250,000 tests in SLO County since opening in early 2020, with some sites conducting more than 750 tests per day during surges. As home testing has become more widely available, usage has decreased to an average of about 30 tests per day. “I am grateful to the California Department of Public Health for providing this service for more than two years, and especially grateful to the testing staff who have put themselves on the front lines to help our community stay safe through COVID-19 surges,” said Dr. Borenstein. “Your work has been heroic, and you have our community’s sincere thanks.”
For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit slopublichealth.org/COVID19. Public health phone support is available at (805) 781-5500 Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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