Kings County Public Health officials ramping up to open free COVID-19 testing sites

As Kings County progresses through the stages of the state’s Resilience Roadmap for re-opening, the Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) believes it is essential that testing is made available to the community as a whole to prevent and address further outbreaks from occurring. The Kings County Health Officer has, therefore, determined that COVID-19 testing through the state’s contracted OptumServe site should now be open to the general public.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled online at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling (888) 634-1123. Walk-ins are not accepted.  The County call center is now available to support anyone seeking referrals, information, and assistance with registration for the OptumServe testing site. That number is (559) 852-4300, and staff is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and assistance is also available in Spanish.

Individuals can also be tested through their primary care provider if they are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a confirmed case. The KCDPH urges residents to contact their primary care provider for guidance and instructions for testing.

 As of this week, the KCDPH will provide testing on-site at its 330 Campus Dr. in Hanford – by appointment only. Starting the week of June 8, testing will be available in Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran, Avenal, Kettleman City, and Stratford on a rotating basis throughout each week. The schedule will be posted on the county’s website at www.kingscovidinfo.com.

Testing is free for all individuals, including those who are uninsured or undocumented, and testing results are confidential. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling (559) 584-1401. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Kings County continues to stress the importance of following the state’s stay-at-home guidelines, as well as following best practices known to limit the spread of communicable diseases. Kings County recommends that residents take the following actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Kings County and protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.

• Stay in your home as much as possible.

• Wear a face mask or covering, and practice social distancing of at least six feet if it is necessary to leave your home.

• Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.

 Visit www.kingscovidinfo.com for current information and guidance.