COVID-19 testing site opens in Imperial

Appointments in high demand

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)-A new COVID-19 OptumServe testing site is now open in the City of Imperial.

According to the Imperial County Public Health Department, the demand for testing has been high from valley residents and an additional location was needed.

The site will be located at Imperial Veterans' Memorial Hall, at 247 S. Imperial Avenue.

All appointments must be made online with Optumserve.

This location will have the capacity to test about 130 people per day.

Optumserve's initial location at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds has also relocated to the city of Calexico.

The location was moved to Calexico's Community Center at 707 Dool Avenue.

The county is hoping both locations will make it easier for residents to access COVID-19 testing.

Although access may be easier, getting a same day appointment may be difficult.

“We've been actually monitoring that very closely, we’re about a week out. It's been consistent for about a week in a half now," said Jeff Lamoure with the Imperial County Public Health Department.

Those looking to get tested with Optumserve will need to wait a few days do to their high demand.

"Those who do schedule an appointment, it’s very important that they do keep that appointment. Although we are maxing out the scheduling each day for these tests, we are starting to see a number of no shows. We  want to encourage the public if they do schedule a test that they keep that," said Lamoure.