SLO County works with state to expand COVID-19 testing
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. - The County of San Luis Obispo announced it is collaborating with the State of California and local cities to expand testing for COVID-19. The goal is to make testing available to everyone in the county.
“More testing is absolutely essential to understanding the local epidemiology of this disease,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, San Luis Obispo County Health Officer. “This partnership is an important step in the right direction.”
Testing will begin next week and will be available by appointment only. Testing will be performed Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at:
- Paso Robles Veterans Hall - 240 Scott St in Paso Robles
- Ramona Garden Community Center - 993 Ramona Ave in Grover Beach
The County said appointments will require residents to walk into the facility and will take about five minutes.
The following persons are currently eligible to be tested:
- Healthcare Workers and First Responders
- Those 65 and older or any age with chronic medical conditions
- Residents or employees of congregate care living facilities
- Persons in essential occupations which includes utilities, grocery, food supply, and public employees
- Any persons exhibiting one or more symptoms of COVID-19
You can register for an appointment to get tested starting Saturday, May 2. Registration can be done online at emergencySLO.org/statetesting or by phone at 888-634-1123.
The County said tests will be performed free of charge. Testing supplies and health care workers will be provided by the state.
The County wants to clarify that this is not an antibody test, which determines if a person has had the virus in the past. These tests will only determine who is currently infected with the virus.
The County said it will be evaluating testing capability each week with the goal to eventually make testing available for all community members.
For updates and questions on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903.
