90.1 FM San Luis Obispo | 91.7 FM Paso Robles | 91.1 FM Cayucos | 95.1 FM Lompoc | 90.9 FM Avila
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
KNBX (north county KCBX) is currently off the air due to a PG&E service interruption.
KCBX News aims to provide our audience with the latest local and regional information and updates on the coronavirus and COVID-19. We will update this post as new information becomes available.Click on the link in the county name to find important public health resources in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Monterey counties.Click HERE to view a COVID-19 case map of San Luis Obispo County.CLICK HERE TO SEE A TIMELINE ARCHIVE OF EARLIER CORONAVIRUS-RELATED INFORMATION.

SLO County urges those with COVID-19 symptoms to get tested

Wikimedia commons

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in San Luis Obispo County has slowed in recent days, say county health officials, but they are urging people with symptoms to get tested.

County health officer Penny Borenstein said Monday afternoon she suspects the reported decrease in cases is because many people with mild symptoms aren’t seeking out testing for COVID-19, she said the county has increased testing capacity.

“We think that perhaps the public has ceased even trying to get a test because early on, the message was we don’t have enough tests, we don’t have enough tests,” Borenstein said.

Borenstein said the public health department no longer requires healthcare providers to screen for other illnesses first, and reminds residents the tests will be performed free of cost, regardless of whether or not you have insurance. Those with symptoms but without a healthcare provider are urged to go to the nearest urgent care center.

“We pushed out to our healthcare clinics, healthcare practitioners this week that they no longer need to check in with Public Health,” Borenstein said. “If they order a test we will do the test.”

Borenstein said she recommends people get tested even if they are experiencing mild symptoms, but says people who are experiencing no symptoms won't have immediate access to tests.

Michael Barros is a reporter in the KCBX Newsroom. He has a degree in journalism from California Polytechnic State University, where he spent two years reporting for the campus news outlet, Mustang Media. He spent several months as an intern for NPR's All Things Considered in Washington D.C. Michael covers breaking news for daily newscasts, and creates features for the local broadcast of All Things Considered and Morning Edition. When he's not reporting, he's probably hammocking in a forest or painting.
Related Content