Two new coronavirus testing sites operated by San Diego County will open on Monday but appointments will only be accepted with a few conditions in order first.
The drive-thru testing centers will be located at the Public Health Center in Chula Vista and the North Inland Live Well Center in Escondido, where free nasal swab tests will be administered.
Both sites will only offer tests to those who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 and who have a doctor’s referral. Appointments for those individuals can be made by calling 211.
Those who do not have a doctor or health insurance can still call 211 and ask for the nurse triage line to request a referral from them. Once that’s obtained, an appointment can be made with 211 and test results will be available about 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
The county is only offering tests to symptomatic individuals because there are a limited number of tests, personal protective equipment for staff is still low and to limit the exposure of the virus to others.
Chula Vista's testing site will be open from 1 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, while Escondido's center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
