MONTEREY COUNTY — Hours and days are changing for the state-supported community Covid-19 testing sites in Monterey County.
According to Monterey County Health Department, the demand for testing has decreased as more of the population has received Covid-19 vaccinations and access to home testing has increased.
California Department of Public Health’s Testing Task Force reviews the usage of the testing sites on a regular basis and made recommendations for the reduction in hours and days.
“Testing continues to be an important part of the Covid-19 response as there continues to be new Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations,” MCHD said in a news release Monday. “If future changes in case numbers necessitate the need for more testing opportunities, the hours and days of operation can be increased to meet the demand.”
Due to the decrease in usage, beginning the week of Nov. 14, the following changes will take effect:
- Salinas testing site at the Sherwood Hall will be open Friday through Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.;
- Soledad testing site at the Soledad Library will be open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and
- Marina testing site at Marina Behavioral Health Clinic will be open Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The VIDA program continues to offer free walk-up rapid-antigen testing around the county, including at various locations in Salinas, South Monterey County and Seaside. More testing locations, days and hours of operation can be found at montereycountyvaccines.com.
Free Covid-19 testing appointments at the LHI State Covid-19 testing sites can be made by calling 1-888-634-1123 or visiting lhi.care/covidtesting.
