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New free COVID-19 testing site opens at San Ysidro Port of Entry

Posted at 8:31 AM, Aug 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-12 16:01:37-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A new COVID-19 testing site opened Wednesday morning at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, with tests for the virus available at no cost.

The free test site is located at the PedEast crossing of the Port of Entry. It will be open 6:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday.

About 200 tests will be administered daily, and no appointments will be necessary. San Diego County health officials said those getting tested “will not be asked about their immigration status or who lives with them.”

Health officials said the site is focused on “testing essential workers and American citizens who live in Tijuana, as well as residents in the area.”

Jennifer Bransford-Koons, the county’s testing director, said it’s possible the hours at the new site could eventually change.

“We’re starting out first thing in the morning as people cross the border … to be able to see if that’s a good time to have people to be able to test. If that doesn’t work, then we’ll move to the afternoon or other days of the week. The purpose is to provide accessible testing to members of the public,” she said.

County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said, “We know that communities in South Bay have been hit the hardest by COVID-19. The location was selected because of the increase in cases in the region and the number of people, especially essential workers who cross daily.”

Earlier this week, a no-appointment test site opened at Cal State San Marcos.

Many county coronavirus testing locations require appointments, which can be made by visiting 211sandiego.org or calling 211.