More patients coming in to Urgent Care to get tested for COVID-19

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - While COVID-19 spikes, there’s another surge happening at Dignity Health urgent cares on the Central Coast.

"I came here today to be tested and I want to be tested soon as possible for COVID-19, says Vincent Parker of Santa Maria.

Doctors at Marian Regional Medical Center say they’re seeing more patients with all types of symptoms from mild to severe.

"Testing is available for those that are ill or symptomatic, and certainly you should coordinate with your healthcare provider or call ahead to make sure that the availability is there, so you don’t waste your time or you could be directed to another facility," says Dr. Scott Robertson at Marian Regional Medical Center.

Dignity Health has a system set up where patients can be evaluated and tested from inside their car.

"This is to keep people isolated to try to keep some of the sick patients outside, not being inside of the buildings, to make it a little bit more of a comfortable area for them as well," says Robertson.

This also helps protect staff from any sort of transmission.

As more people come in to get tested, doctors are asking everyone to be patient. There may be a wait time.

"Due to the high demand, it’s important to only be evaluated and be tested if you’re symptomatic for COVID-19. If you’re asymptomatic and had an exposure the best course of action is to isolate and closely monitor for symptoms," says Robertson.