COVID-19 testing sites now open to all Monterey County residents
(KION) UPDATE 5/13/20 5:45 p.m. Wednesday is the first full day COVID-19 testing sites are open to the public across the Central Coast. There are four sites, including Salinas, Greenfield, Hollister and Watsonville, but not everyone is taking advantage of the testing sites.
Both the county health department and local leaders are encouraging people to come get tested because they say they don’t want the state to end up pulling these sites out of the county.
Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno says 830 people signed up and have had specimens collected.
OptumServe offers nasal swab tests at the site. We’re told residents may experience a bit of discomfort, but it’s not painful.
There are no out of pocket costs for this testing. You don’t need insurance or an ID. And you don’t need to have any symptoms to get tested.
“If you don’t have any symptoms, go ahead and take advantage of Optum to make sure that we have enough people using the Optum test sites so that the state doesn’t change it’s mind and pull an Optum test site out of Monterey County and give it to another county,” Moreno said.
Again, the sites are open now to the public, not just first responders, but there is some concern about whether people will actually go to get tested or not. The county is encouraging more people to get tested at these sites, particularly at the one in Greenfield.
The sites are testing by appointment only so you can’t just walk up and wait in a line.
To make an appointment, fill out the registration form here. If you do not have internet access, call 1-888-634-1123. An insurance card and valid ID will be required at check-in, if you have them. For those without insurance, the health department said the state will cover the full cost. There will not be an out-of-pocket cost for anyone receiving testing.
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New COVID-19 testing sites in Salinas, Greenfield, Hollister and Watsonville are now open to the public, according to the Monterey County Health Department.
The sites in Salinas and Greenfield opened last week, and initially, the health department prioritized testing for healthcare workers, first responders and other front-line essential workers. They are now open to the public, and you do not need to show symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested.
The sites located at Alisal High School and the Greenfield Branch of the Monterey County Free Libraries will be open every week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The site at the Ramsay Park Family Center in Watsonville is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and the site at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Hollister is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Testing is by appointment only. To make an appointment, fill out the registration form here. If you do not have internet access, call 1-888-634-1123. An insurance card and valid ID will be required at check-in. For those without insurance, the health department said the state will cover the full cost. There will not be an out-of-pocket cost for anyone receiving testing.
