State operated COVID-19 community testing begins in Santa Barbara County
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Beginning on Tuesday, COVID-19 community-based testing sites will be open for residents of Santa Barbara County.
"One of the key components to the path of reopening is to get a better understanding of where coronavirus is or where COVID-19 is in the community," said Nick Clay with the Emergency Medical Services Agency.
The initial testing site will be held at the Santa Maria Fairpark.
The Testing site is a partnership with the county and state.
It will be open five days per week and is available by appointment only.
Residents will be required to get out of their vehicle as the COVID-19 tests will be conducted indoors.
"So there will be a registration desk. There will be some limits in terms of how many people we can have in the building at any given time. We are following social distancing and infection control measures," said Clay.
While everyone is eligible to screened, those who meet the following conditions will get first priority:
- Healthcare Workers and First Responders
- Persons 65 and older or any age with chronic medical conditions
- Residents or employees of congregate care living facilities
- persons in essential occupations which include utilities, grocery, food supply, and public employees
- Any persons exhibiting one or more symptoms of COIVD-19.
The goal is that these testing sites will help Santa Barbara County increase testing needs for those who have limited access to COVID-19 tests.
"So we are working with the state to provide service for at least 60 days. That's what we have been told. So we will have service until about July 4th," said Clay.
Other sites in Lompoc and Santa Barbara will open later this week to make sure everyone has access to tests.
To make an appointment to get screened or tested, visit lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888) 634-1123.
