More people at COVID testing sites: What you need to know about different COVID tests

Riverside County spokesperson, Jose Arballo Jr., said testing within the county is up considerably in the last month. He said a month ago, the county's testing rate was 159.6 per 100,000. The county said it now has a testing rate of 274.2 per 100,000.

The county said it's likely due to the Delta variant and the new mandate in Palm Springs, which requires proof of vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours to enter a bar or restaurant.

"Either way, we think it's great. We think the fact that [COVID testing] is going up is a great thing," said Arballo. "Whether it's the messaging on how important testing is or whether it's the specifics of new rules in Palm Springs, all of those are going to contribute probably to higher testing rates."

If you're thinking about getting tested for COVID, you have to decide which type of test you're going to do: a molecular test, also known as PCR, or an antigen test, also known as a rapid test.

"So we recommend the PCR tests. We always have. We believe that it is proven to be very effective and accurate," said Arballo.

The director of laboratory services at Desert Regional Medical Center, Jane Skogen, agrees saying PCR is a state of the art test and is accurate. 

"I would always, always defer to your medical provider and get some advice on where they would like you to go," said Skogen. "I would be leery of some of the email kits and things that are floating around right now on social media that seem to be coming out."

She said most of those tests likely haven't been proven to work effectively. If you are looking to get tested, you can visit any major pharmacy to do so. 

For now, Riverside County has no plans to add new testing sites. They will simply keep running the ones they have already.