A COVID-19 testing site in Indian Wells will be relocated to the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. The first day of testing at the fairgrounds is Tuesday, March 31, in parking lots 5 and 5A off of Arabia Street (between Highway 111 and Dr. Carreon Boulevard.

The Indian Wells site at the Southwest Church has been in operation since March 17. The testing schedule will remain the same: Tuesdays through Saturdays until supplies are exhausted – or the community’s needs have been met.

COVID-19 Drive-up Test Site Moved to Fairgrounds

Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez

 

“The Riverside County Fairgrounds is a great location for testing,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “The fairgrounds have been a safe haven for families. Many visit this location for the Date Festival and for health care services, and it makes perfect sense with the federal medical station also located there.”

The drive-up site runs between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Appointment times are discussed when residents call the toll-free number at 800-945-6171. Residents must have symptoms to make an appointment, which include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or congestion.

All told, health care workers handled more than 420 COVID-19 tests through Friday (March 27) at Southwest Church. Roughly 160 more tests were expected today, based on the scheduled appointments.

A second testing location at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore has operated since March 19. That location is continuing its schedule (Sundays through Thursdays). Those seeking tests at the Lake Elsinore location are encouraged to use the website by clicking here for appointments. Residents can also call for 800-945-6171 appointments at Lake Elsinore.

Health care professionals have handled more than 900 tests at the Lake Elsinore drive-up location. More than 3,000 people have been tested at the drive-up locations and Riverside University Health System clinics.

Riverside University Health System officials are working on setting up a third COVID-19 testing site in the Riverside area that will serve as a second drive-up location for residents in the western region of Riverside County. More information about that third site will be released soon.

Riverside University Health System-Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari said she wanted to thank Southwest Church for the use of its large parking lot to help community members during this trying period.

“Southwest Church was very gracious to step up so early when we were able to get the drive-up testing started,” Saruwatari said. “We appreciate church leaders for their graciousness.”

 

Image Sources

  • Supervisor V. Manuel Perez: Supervisor V. Manuel Perez
  • Coronavirus testing: Shutterstock