SLO County is passing out free COVID-19 tests. Here’s where to find them
Free COVID-19 tests are available for pick up outside of public health clinics in Grover Beach, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, according to the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department.
Folks can also pick up tests at seven pop-up events across the county this month, the agency said Thursday in a news release.
The first will be held 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Bauer Speck Elementary School in Paso Robles.
The county will give two tests to each resident per household, Public Health said.
“There are no requirements related to residency, income, insurance, or immigration status,” the agency said. “Tests may occasionally run low but will be restocked while supplies last.”
Free tests might not last long, according to the county.
Federal funding through the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 grant pays for the free tests. That funding expires on Thursday, so the county may not have the money to provide more free tests, the release said.
Folks with COVID-19 symptoms can pick up tests outside of the clinic, but should not enter the building, Public Health said.
“One of the most important reasons to test for COVID-19 is to ensure you can get treatment promptly if you need it,” Deputy County Health Officer Dr. Rick Rosen said in the release. “Effective treatment is widely available, and data continues to show it helps prevent both severe disease and long COVID ― but it needs to be started within five days of your first symptoms.
“Having tests on hand means you can be ready to find out if you have COVID-19 and get treatment if you do.”
Folks can schedule free COVID-19 telehealth appointments via phone at 888-897-1244 if they’re not able to reach their primary health care provider within 24 hours of testing positive, or if they don’t have insurance, the agency said.
