San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is offering free COVID testing at sites throughout the county.
County District Two Supervisor Dianne Jacob said in an email:
“The virus knows no boundaries, so it is critical that we offer free testing across the entire county. This initiative is part of our test, trace and treat strategy that is allowing us to track the course of the illness and help minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the region.”
Tests are being administered by Cal Fire and San Diego County firefighters.
Cal Fire public information officer Thomas Shoots said the two agencies collaborated with the county on a plan to reach rural communities.
“As the COVID-19 situation continued to escalate earlier this year, it became apparent that lack of testing was a major problem throughout California. Cal Fire and San Diego County Fire worked alongside San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency and collaborated on a plan to reach rural communities with mobile testing sites. These sites have now tested thousands of individuals, meeting the need for residents outside of the more populated portions of the county,” Shoots said.
At a recent test event held in Lakeside, officer Nick Johnson explained test subjects are able to drive into the test site and line up for check-in, then pull up when emergency medical technicians are ready to administer the swab test. Drivers and passengers are asked to remain in their car for minimal contact.
“The drive-by testing limits the potential COVID-19 exposure for everyone and reduces the burden on medical facilities. Additionally, if an individual does test positive they can take steps to protect those around them and potentially limit the spread,” Shoots said.
Testing is being held at the Alpine library on Friday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the county building in El Cajon located at 200 S. Magnolia Ave. on Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A full list of test sites and dates for locations across the county is available at: www. covidtest.sandiegocounty.gov where appointments can be made for testing.
Appointments can also be made by calling 211.
According to a June 20 press release from the California department of public health, there have been 3,234,412 tests conducted in California with signs of increasing test capacity.
In San Diego County, Shoots said local fire departments will continue to administer the free tests as long as there is a need.
