As more cases of coronavirus continue to emerge within Riverside County, locals are taking every precaution so as not to continue the spread of what has now become a global pandemic. Governor Gavin Newsom has now issued a statewide stay-at-home order, with only essential businesses to remain open.
A new development in the Coachella Valley is a new coronavirus drive-thru testing site at the parking lot of Southwest Church in Indian Wells. Residents who are displaying coronavirus symptoms and are concerned they may have the illness are encouraged by county health officials to get tested at this facility.
Symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose or congestion. Those who have risk of exposure are also eligible to be tested, meaning they themselves have been exposed to a confirmed case of coronavirus or have recently traveled to an affected area.
It is important to note that those who want to get tested must have symptoms and must call 800-945-6171 to schedule an appointment before showing up to the Southwest Church test center. Drive-ups without appointments cannot be accommodated at this time. Testing starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. by appointment only.
According to Riverside County spokesperson Brooke Federico, The Indian Wells site will be open only through Friday, March 20, but that date could be extended if the need remains.
For more information about new coronavirus developments in Riverside County, residents can visit https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.
