SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- San Diego County is now able to test for novel coronavirus without needing to send samples to the CDC, the Health and Human Services Agency announced Thursday.
The County Public Health Lab can now run up to 40 tests at once. The lab is one of dozens certified by the CDC throughout the U.S.
“This is great news for San Diego County and will help with our ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Being able to test locally means that when we have patients under investigation, we can more rapidly remove unneeded restrictions from those without infection. Should someone test positive, we will continue to keep them isolated.”
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Prior to receiving the testing kit, results took several days to return. Results for potential cases of COVID-19 will now be available within 24 to 48 hours, health officials say. Positive results will need to be confirmed by the CDC.
“The risk of COVID-19 is still very low, especially if you have not travelled to an area where the virus has been detected or had close contact with a patient who tested positive for this new coronavirus,” county health officials said.
Check the list below for ways to protect yourself from coronavirus:
- Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- If you are sick, stay home and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
