Drive-up COVID-19 testing for individuals who live or work in Irvine began Monday at the Orange County Great Park, with about 200 tests conducted.
City officials launched the monthlong drive-up effort in partnership with patient testing app Curogram and multiple laboratories, including local Pangea Laboratory.
The city announced Friday afternoon that it would test those who live or work in Irvine and are symptomatic and asymptomatic, with plans to conduct 200 to 260 tests per day. Only PCR testing, which determines if someone currently has the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is available.
The city began taking reservations at 4 p.m. Friday and by Sunday afternoon, all slots through Aug. 6 were filled, said Melissa Haley, a spokeswoman for the city.
The Irvine City Council on Tuesday will discuss whether to add more lanes to allow for more testing, or just extending the dates, she said.
“The demand is there,” Haley said. “We’re the first city in Orange County to offer public testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic residents.”
Results of the tests are relatively rapidly received, Haley said. She said people should have the results within two to three days.
Mayor Christina L. Shea said Friday that the City Council “has put in place appropriate and forward-thinking safety measures every step of the way since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am very proud that Irvine will be the first city in Orange County to provide testing to those that live and work in Irvine, regardless of whether they have symptoms. Testing continues to be a critical component for reopening under state guidance, while ensuring the health of our community.”
The testing program is available by appointment only and will take place Mondays through Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Lot 6 at the Great Park. To get more information, visit curogram.com/covid-testing/irvine. There is no out-of-pocket fee for the COVID-19 testing.
Patients will be required to remain in their vehicle and show a driver’s license or photo ID and registration confirmation. During the appointment, a licensed healthcare professional will be present during the self-administered nasal or oral swab test to collect the specimen to send to FDA-approved laboratories. Test results should be expected within three days after the appointment.
The Orange County Great Park is located at 8000 Great Park Blvd. Lot 6 can be accessed via Marine Way and Skyhawk. Visit ocgp.org/maps for complete directions; GPS systems may not provide reliable directions.
For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/covid19testing.