‘Get there early’: County testing sites seeing big demand

Testing for COVID-19 remains in high demand in Santa Clara County, as new cases continue to rise region-wide.

A week after launching a new wristband-based system, county officials are encouraging residents to show up early.

“Those seeking a test are encouraged to arrive early; the popular sites use a wristband system in which people are assigned a testing time later in the day, and all slots are often claimed within hours of availability,” organizers said in announcing this week’s pop-up testing sites.

More than 42,000 tests were run at the sites in July, which operate in addition to private health system tests. County sites are free and do not require insurance coverage.

Health officials also reminded residents that hospitals and clinics, and some urgent care facilities are required to offer free testing.

“It is a mandate for hospitals and their associated clinics to provide these opportunities for their patients, and that in turn lessens the burden at the County sites that provide the lion’s share of testing,” said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, COVID-19 Testing Officer for the County of Santa Clara.

There are two pop-up testing sites in the county this week, down from three in recent weeks.

  • San Jose – San Antonio Elementary School – 1721 E. San Antonio St.
    • Tuesday 8/4 to Friday 8/7 – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m
    • Saturday 8/8 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Gilroy – South County Annex – 9300 Wren Ave.
    • Tuesday 8/4 to Friday 8/7 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.