New COVID-19 testing site in Rancho Mirage as demand increases

Coronavirus testing  has become a high demand here in the valley. Rancho mirage is adding a new kind of COVID-19 test.

News Channel 3’s Dani Romero has more on how the city and county are ramping up their testing. 

A free COVID-19 drive through testing site is setting up in Rancho Mirage. 

“We had really been searching what's something that consistently we could offer for a continuous period of time to really help with us testing efforts," said Gabe Codding, Director of Marketing for the city of Rancho Mirage. "Our library was the perfect location, South Highway 111. It's central to all the other cities in the valley.” 

But there’s something unique  this site will be offering. It’s self administered testing. 

But before you get into your car :here’s what you need to know. 

“They're gonna ask for your I.D. and your appointment confirmation. they're going to ask you to crack your window," said Codding."Once you have that, you're going to go to the next station, which is then they're going to fully register you and give you your barcoded test.” 

Once you have your testing kit.

“Cough heavy three times into your right elbow. And that releases all the saliva and everything," said Codding. "Then you take the swab that they give you and you it's just like brushing your teeth. So you swab in and all around your mouth, under your tongue for about 20 seconds.” 

Andrew Johnson was part of the test run Monday. 

“It allows me to put something in my mouth a push that I can handle not somebody else thinking this is easy so it was really great," said Johnson.

Riverside County Health Officials are hoping the self- test and results in less than 48 hours will motivate people to continue to get tested. 

They have partnered with testing company, Curative, to update testing sites like the Indio Fairground.

“Sometime next week, they'll come in and work with our people onsite, work together for awhile," said Jose Arballo."And then eventually Curative will take over operations at those sites.” 

This will give more flexibility to expand testing. 

“I know they've talked about putting more locations at different parts of the county, not specifically the Coachella Valley. With Curative in place, it gives us more flexibility because I think I mentioned the mobile team can be flexible enough to where they might be able to go to one place for several days and then another place for several days," said Arballo.

City officials said 300 people have already registered to get tested at the opening tomorrow. First in line, Santa Claus himself. 

This testing site will be available for all of December and may be extended.

For more information on Rancho Mirage's testing site, CLICK HERE.