Contra Costa County is the first county in the Bay Area to offer free COVID-19 testing to anyone even if they do not have symptoms. Previously, tests were only available for those with symptoms.
Increased testing will help us more effectively slow the spread of the virus and allow us to re-open businesses and get back to work sooner. Our Health Officer has said that we need 2,400 tests per day in Contra Costa to better monitor COVID-19's spread and be able to ease the stay-at-home order. Currently, only 400 daily tests are done.
Anyone living in Contra Costa can get tested at a drive-through site operated by County Health Services in San Pablo, Martinez, Concord, Pittsburg, Antioch, or San Ramon.
Residents can also get tested at state-run walk-in only sites in Pinole, Walnut Creek or Brentwood.
Results are available within 36 hours if sent to the County's Public Health Lab and 2-5 days if sent to a private lab.
There is no up-front cost for getting tested and you do not need medical insurance. However, if you have health insurance, your insurance will be billed.
While symptoms aren't needed to get tested, it is advised you get tested if you have symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle ache, sore throat, headache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, recent loss of taste or smell, or confusion.
Appointments can be made by calling 1-844-421-0804 from 8 am to 3:30 pm daily.
