Ventura County ramps up testing efforts as reopening heads into Phase Two

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. -- Ventura County leaders are planning to move into Phase Two of reopening. But it is unclear whether that can happen at the start of the Governor's timeline, which is Friday.

Ventura County is ramping up testing and tracing measures, as required by the State. A pilot program known as “Community Contact Tracing” launched on Monday. It ramps up the tracing program already in place, tracking down people who have been exposed to a person who tested positive for the coronavirus.

The County is also ramping up COVID-19 testing, which is another State requirement ahead of opening Phase Two “Low-Risk” businesses.

Anyone with symptoms is urged to call the county hotline and will be directed to one of nine testing sites in the County.

“You do not need insurance,” said Barry Zimmerman, who is the Deputy Director for Ventura County Health Care Agency. “There will be no co-pay associated with it, so it is free for you to come and get tested at your convenience.”

Ventura County Health Officials have tested 11,000 people in the County so far. The County says testing will be key to have a successful reopening. They plan to reopen in stage two by Friday.

“Stage two would be low risk,” said Mike Powers, who is the County Executive Officer. “For example retail with curbside pickup. Stage three would be personal care you know like hair salons, gyms, and stage four would be ultimate reopening with big gatherings and concerts and sports events. That will not be until a vaccine and a treatment will be available.”

If you have symptoms and who like to be tested for COVID-19 you can call the hotline at 805-652-7660.