SLO County is limiting its coronavirus testing to people with symptoms. Here’s why
In a turnaround from previous recommendations, San Luis Obispo County will no longer offer coronavirus testing to anyone who wishes to be tested.
Instead, the county’s public health lab will focus only on people showing symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, as well as essential workers and those who work in settings that are at high-risk of outbreaks.
“What we are seeing now is the demand for testing has dramatically increased, and we are no longer in a situation where we can continue to say anybody who wants a test can get a test,” county public health officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said during a media briefing July 8.
Borenstein noted that people signing up for appointments with one of the lab’s clinics in Grover Beach, San Luis Obispo or at one of its pop-up clinics are reporting difficulty getting appointments in a timely manner.
As of last week, Borenstein said appointments for coronavirus tests were booked a week out.
“Obviously if you are sick and you need a diagnosis today, a week later is not particularly helpful,” she said.
Borenstein said the department is hoping to save “what is becoming a decreasing resource” for the people who most need it.
To date, the county has processed more than 6,000 COVID-19 tests since March, according to the county’s ReadySLO.org website.
Of those, more than 160 have been confirmed positive. Outside labs have processed more than 19,400 tests, with more than 640 returning positive.
That includes those with coronavirus symptoms, those who work in high-risk environments where they are in constant contact with a large number of people, essential workers and those who work in congregate care settings.
Borenstein added you do not need to get tested if you come into minimal contact with someone who tested positive to coronavirus.
The county will reach out to those who have had close contact with someone with coronavirus, she said. (Close contact is 15 minutes in close proximity with a person when neither of them are wearing masks.)
Otherwise, you do not need a test unless coronavirus-like symptoms present themselves, she added.
Those who make appointments but don’t want to or are unable to use them should cancel their appointment to free up the space for others, Borenstein concluded.
Where to get a COVID-19 test
Pop-up testing clinics are staffed by county employees and analyzed at the Public Health Department lab.
A pop-up testing clinic will be open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Dana Elementary School, 920 W. Tefft St. in Nipomo.
Free COVID-19 testing is available at ongoing sites in Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo.
▪ Grover Beach: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ramona Garden Park, 993 Ramona Ave.
▪ San Luis Obispo: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Veterans Memorial Hall, 801 Grand Ave.
Testing is also available through private healthcare providers and urgent care centers.
To make an appointment, visit emergencySLO.org/testing; you can register by phone at 888-634-1123.
This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 2:21 PM.
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