COVID-19 testing results require patience

OXNARD, Calif. - Getting tested for COVID-19 isn't as quick as it used to be and getting the results back may take longer, too.

A state funded test requires making an appointment by going to lhi.care.

KEYT reporter Tracy Lehr made a Friday appointment more than a week in advance to get tested at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

An email reporting a negative test result took three business days following the weekend.

A Ventura County run drive-thru location had cars lined up around the block before it opened at 10 a.m. at Oxnard College on the Sunday after the Fourth of July. It took a couple of hours to drive into the testing tent.

The tests offered between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Fridays through Tuesdays do not require an appointment or insurance.

Results via email for many participants were still pending a week later.

Both tests consisted of Q-tip-like nasal swabs sent to labs.

The state test was administered by a worker in protective gear. The worker took a swab from one nostril.

The drive-thru test was a do-it-yourself swab of both nostrils that is placed in a test tube and given to a worker who witnessed the test in the college parking lot.

For more information visit lhi.care or www.vcemergency.com or call 211.