The coronavirus test is a phrase that most have already heard. On Tuesday, San Luis Obispo County reported 72 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the county’s total to 1,078 confirmed cases, the largest increase in the single-day case count.
The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department says the county has seen an increased demand for COVID-19 testing in the past week.
“We have seen a steady increase in demand in the past few weeks. Test appointment times are delayed a little more each week at our state-sponsored test sites,” said County Public Health spokeswoman Michelle Shoresman.
Last week, Dr. Penny Borenstien said that the COVID-19 testing sites have been so busy, it takes about a week before I can get an appointment in San Luis Obispo County.
Dozens of community members shared their experience testing after KSBY posted on Facebook, asking what the testing process has been like for people.
Many in the county say they have been getting their test results back in one day.
“Symptoms on 22. I called on the 23rd, called the Health Department on the 23rd, had an appointment on the 24. I got my results on the 25th,” said Mia Purdin, a Templeton resident.
Purdin’s husband tested positive for COVID-19 in June. He was able to schedule a test shortly after he started showing symptoms in the following weeks.
“It was a really smooth process. I just have good things to say about it,” said Purdin.
County public health officials say testing in the county remains a concern. As of Tuesday, the response time for private labs is about four to seven days, Shoresman says.
A major concern of community members is being seen in a timely manner. Another problem is being able to address other medical concerns.
Nipomo’s Amber Shelton says she went to the CHC in Arroyo Grande to be tested for symptoms she had that were unrelated to COVID.
She feels that other medical needs raised by community members are being ruled out due to the pandemic.
“It seemed like the doctors and nurses who were there were like they couldn’t hear anything that was happening other than the symptoms that were listed on the paper and they didn’t hear anything that was happening to me.” Shelton said.
Some hospitals across the state are overloaded with patients. As of Tuesday, fourteen people were hospitalized with six patients in the ICU.
County health officials say those who are symptomatic should seek proof from a health provider, but should try to stay home for the most part.
The Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center also says that the increase in COVID-19 cases could be an indicator that there is more testing, but until everyone gets tested, it’s hard to know what impact the numbers of cases have.
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