SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The state is responding to reports of long wait times and other issues with the three new free testing sites that opened this week in San Diego County.
A spokesperson with the California Department of Public Health wrote the following email to 10News on Wednesday:
“The site experienced a couple of temporary issues yesterday that resulted in a delayed opening. Not aware of any website issues. We expect the site will operate as expected today. If we get more information as the day goes on, we will let you know.”
10News heard reports of long lines, wait times of more than two hours, and possible website glitches earlier this week for the new COVID-19 testing sites at Grossmont College in El Cajon, the former Sears in Chula Vista, and the North Inland Live Well Center in Escondido.
When 10News visited the Grossmont location this Wednesday, one local told us, “Everything was very smooth. I came prepared.”
Local Ron Cady said, “I got an appointment for today at 11 o'clock. [It was a] nice 45 minutes, in and out,” adding, “It was very painless and very well organized.”
Visitor Jeanie Morehead said, “The wait was a little long. I had an appointment at 11 a.m. and didn't get in until 11:50 a.m.”
At a press conference earlier this week, San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said he expected there to be some bumps in the road but asked for everyone's patience.
A doctor's referral is not required but appointments are necessary and can be made over the phone or online. You don't have to have any symptoms. Each site is expected to do 800 nasal swab tests daily every Monday through Friday with results available within 72 hours.
More information here: https://www.countynewscenter.com/covid-19-testing-ramps-up-in-region/
