Contra Costa Health Services is working to make it easier for more people to get free COVID-19 testing. As part of this effort, the County has opened 2 new sites -- a large test site at Richmond Civic Center Plaza and one in North Richmond.
The Kennedy High School testing site, used over summer vacation, is now closed.
You do not need an appointment or to be experiencing symptoms to be tested at these new sites.
Details:
Richmond Civic Center Plaza (parking lot at 25th St. and Nevin Ave.)
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm for walk-in testing. In September, drive-in testing will be added, giving this site the ability to test 400 people per day.
Near the North Richmond Center for Health (Intersection of Second St. and West Ruby Ave.) Open Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for walk-in testing.
At both of these sites, you can make an appointment if you want, or just show up. To make an appointment call 1-844-421-0804 (8 am to 3:30 pm daily) or visiting coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-tested.
- Open to anyone who lives or works in the County.
- Free. Don't need to have health insurance or the ability to pay.
- If you have insurance, it will get billed.
- Do not need to have symptoms for a test, but anyone with symptoms should get tested.
- Patient information is confidential and not shared with law enforcement or other government agencies, including ICE.
- During test registration you will be asked to show ID, to help the County receive federal reimbursement. But ID is not required to get a test.
I'm proud of our County's efforts to improve testing, which is challenging given the lack of consistent national support. Both the heavy testing volume and supply shortages have contributed to delays in getting results.
As we open new test sites, the County is entering into contracts with new labs to reduce delays in obtaining test results. This is great news. I thank all of the hard-working Health Services staff who are committed to improving testing.
Testing for COVID-19 is considered a significant tool in reducing the spread of the virus.
People who test positive can self-isolate immediately, and their contacts will be notified by County Contact Tracers that they may have been exposed to the virus, and should get tested and self-isolate until they get a negative test result.
Patients receive their test results via secure text, or in the mail if they cannot receive texts. Patients who test positive for COVID-19 also will be contacted by Contra Costa Public Health with important next steps, including information to help prevent spreading the virus to others.
Thanks for all you're doing to take care of yourself and others,
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