What is test-to-treat? SLO County launches new COVID testing sites aimed at treatment
The San Luis Obispo Public Health Department set up seven new test-to-treat sites to speed up COVID-19 treatment for people who test positive for the virus.
The pharmacies and clinics will offer rapid COVID-19 testing, and if necessary, a medical consultation and prescription for Paxlovid pills — the antiviral treatment for the coronavirus, according to a news release.
The format, known as test-to-treat, was originally developed to help people over age 65 or those with underlying health conditions that predispose them to developing severe COVID-19, the release said.
According to the news release, the earlier the treatment starts the more likely it is to be effective.
SLO County COVID Test-to-Treat sites
The sites are spread throughout San Luis Obispo County. They are:
- Cambria Drug & Gift: 2222 Main St., Cambria
- MedStop Urgent Care: 283 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo
- BestCare Pharmacy: 1051 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande
- Community Health Centers of the Central Coast: 1205 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande (walk-in); 1276 Tamson Drive, Cambria; 2800 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles (immediate care); and 1330 Las Tablas Road in Templeton (immediate care)
The hours and cost of testing and consultation vary by site, the release said. While the Paxlovid medication is free, the cost of the testing and consultation will likely be billed to insurance.
COVID-19 treatment options are also available at other pharmacies and clinics throughout the county, the release said.
People at high risk for severe COVID-19 are advised to test early and call their doctors if the test is positive, according to the release.
Where to get a COVID-19 test and schedule a vaccine appointment
Free coronavirus testing is available at clinics in San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach and Paso Robles.
To make an appointment, visit slocounty.ca.gov/COVID-19/COVID-19-Testing or call 888-634-1123 to register by phone.
Testing is administered at 801 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo, 1336 Ramona Ave. in Grover Beach, 209 Surf St. in Morro Bay and 800 Pine St. in Paso Robles.
To make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, call 805-781-5500 or the clinic site to schedule an appointment. The county Public Health Department is also administering vaccines and boosters on a walk-in basis at public health clinics in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Grover Beach. To find shots at pharmacies near you, visit Vaccines.gov.
The San Luis Obispo vaccine clinic is located at 2191 Johnson Ave., the Grover Beach clinic is located at 286 South 16th St. and the Paso Robles clinic is located at 723 Walnut Drive.
For more information on clinic hours, visit slocounty.ca.gov/COVID-19/Vaccines
Are you suffering from long COVID? The Tribune wants to speak with you
The prevalence of long COVID in San Luis Obispo County is currently unknown, but we want to learn how living with the lingering side effects of COVID-19 may have impacted the lives of impacted community members.
Fill out the form below to share your story and help us shape our COVID-19 coverage moving forward. You can also fill out the form at bit.ly/slolongcovid.
