More coronavirus testing sites open this week across the Bay Area, part of a statewide plan to expand testing.
Gov. Gavin Newsom set a goal to add 80 new testing sites throughout California.
Santa Clara County has facilitated the opening of two testing sites: one at James Lick High School in East San Jose and one at Christopher High School in Gilroy, both of which will open this week, county officials said.
The new sites are being operated through a partnership with OptumServe, a health services business, and managed by the state of California.
"This public-private partnership with the state and OptumServe is an essential part of meeting our testing goals," county Supervisor Dave Cortese said in a statement. "And meeting our testing goals is one of the key indicators to making any changes in our shelter-in-place order. This is truly a step forward."
Testing at the two new sites will be by appointment only by calling 888-634-1123 or visiting https://lhi.care/covidtesting. The sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and each will have the capacity to serve up to 132 individuals every day, the county said.
Another new testing site in Santa Clara County will be at PAL Stadium in San Jose, a partnership between the city and Google sister company Verily. The South 34th Street center will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Up to 250 tests will be available on those days and will be given to anyone who is symptomatic, according to state guidelines.
New testing sites also are slated to open Tuesday in San Rafael, Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
The Sonoma County testing sites also are a partnership between the state and OptumServe. They are not drive-thru testing; participants will need to get out of their vehicles to be tested.
Appointments are available on weekdays, and can be made at https://lhi.care/covidtesting. Residents without internet access can call (888) 634-1123. Specific test locations and hours will be provided when making an appointment.
Tests at the new centers are free to the public. If individuals have insurance, their insurance providers will be billed. If individuals do not have insurance, they can still get a test.
The two new Sonoma County testing sites are a separate operation from the county's drive-thru testing at the Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory, for health care workers only. Health care workers should still call (707) 565-4667 to make an appointment for with the County's drive thru testing efforts.
One place where people can’t get tested is the local pharmacy. While other states like New York, Florida and Texas allow pharmacists to administer coronavirus tests, California doesn't, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Gov. Newsom could issue a waiver to allow pharmacy testing but has yet to do so.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
