Coronavirus testing changes in the valley you should know

A new coronavirus testing site in Palm Springs hopes to bring more testing opportunities to people living on the west side of the Coachella Valley. While over on the east side of the valley at the Indio fairgrounds site new changes are underway.

"We've had a huge uptick in testing," Jose Arballo, senior public information specialist for Riverside County Public Health told News Channel 3 on Monday.

He said they're still encouraging everyone to get tested for the coronavirus.

"…whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic," he added.

A new testing location at the Palm Springs Convention Center is now open Monday through Friday excluding holidays.

On the eastern end of the valley, a company called Curative has taken over the Indio fairgrounds testing site bringing some changes to how people are getting tested.

"It's also a different kind of test," Arballo said. "It's a self-administered test," he said. "You cough and then get the swab and put it in your mouth. No more having someone else put it up your nose or down your throat so that's good and we're hoping people are more comfortable with that," Arballo added.

The Palm Springs Convention Center location is not a drive-up testing site like the Indio fairgrounds site.

Arballo said the turnaround time for test results at the Indio fairgrounds is now 24 to 48 hours.

He also said the test is still free for everyone.

Appointments are encouraged but not necessary at both sites.

"We're always interested in trying to make it easier for people to get tested," he said.

As of Monday, Riverside County has administered 576 tests per 100,000 residents, a major jump compared to what we saw about two months ago when we were at 150 tests.

"Residents have been very good about coming out and getting tested and we appreciate that," Arballo said.

You can make an appointment to get tested at gettested.ruhealth.org

If you experience any issues getting tested you can contact: chwebmaster@ruhealth.org