New COVID-19 Testing Site Will Open In Angels Camp

This illustration by Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Sonora, CA — Mother Lode public health officials have identified the location for a closer to home coronavirus testing site.

As first reported here on Thursday, health officials told Clarke Broadcasting that a new testing site would be opening in “a week or so,” but did not yet know where it would be located. They now relay that the new site serving both Tuolumne and Calaveras counties will be at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp off Highway 49. The testing will begin Friday May 29th.

“We are very pleased to have this expanded access to testing available to our residents. Increased access to testing will allow our community to identify cases quickly and stay in containment,” said Dr. Liza Ortiz, Interim Tuolumne County Health Officer.

The hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public must make an appointment, which can be made online at www.lhi.care/covidtesting or click here.  Those without internet access can call (888) 634-1123. OptumServe, a health services partner with the State of California, will coordinate services with the public health officials from both counties. Calaveras Public Health Officer Dr. Dean Kelaita says this is one of80 sites in the state.

“We’re very lucky to have one of those right here in Calaveras County,” shared Kelaita. “This is really exciting we’re hoping to be able to test as much as 102 residents a day through this test facility.” He adds that it should take about 48 hours to get the test results.

Testing is free, but health providers will be billed for those with insurance. However, copays will not be collected at the site. Additionally, no doctor referral is needed as anyone can be tested, even if they do not have symptoms. Dr. Kelaita says this will help in keeping both counties in compliance with state restrictions and move into the remaining stages of reopening.

“This will really increase our testing capabilities, allow us to monitor the population, and keep a finger on the pulse of what’s happening with coronavirus to be sure that we’re not in store for a resurgence or a second wave,” advises Dr. Kelaita.

Antibody testing is not done at the site. Also, individuals must wear face coverings as this is not a drive-thru testing facility. Those being tested will be directed to a waiting room outside one of the fairground buildings were the test will be administered.