This article is reviewed regularly (on a monthly basis) by Wego’s editorial team to ensure it’s up to date and accurate.
Last updated on 17 September 2020
Months after its first discovery, COVID-19 pandemic is still raging on all around the world, wreaking havoc on stability and economy. But countries are fighting back with travel restrictions, quarantine measures, and perhaps primarily, upping the testing capacities.
If you’re looking for information on where can you get tested in and around the city along with the whole procedure, we’ve listed the important points in this article.
Who should get a COVID-19 test?
Anyone can get tested, but testings are prioritised for people showing COVID-19 infection symptoms. Per CDC guidelines, COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. Note that elderly people might not develop fever.
Aside from symptomatic people, the test is prioritized for asymptomatic people in high-risk groups or settings which include:
- High-risk symptomatic individuals
- People exposed to infected individuals in places where COVID-19 risk is high
- Healthcare workers, first responders, other social service employees, and people in other essential jobs
- People considered part of vulnerable populations
- Older adults
- People with underlying medical conditions
- Caretakers of older adults or those with underlying medical conditions
Essential jobs refer to occupations such as utility workers, grocery store workers, food supply workers, and other public-facing employees including childcare and school workers.
Vulnerable populations refer to those in ethnic and racial minority groups, people with HIV/AIDS, people experiencing homelessness, those in rural areas, migrant workers, and Native Americans.
Where can I get tested in San Diego?
Your health plan should offer coverage for free testing, please contact your provider to inquire about your eligibility.
San Diego County has set up a few free test sites, aimed for individuals aged 12 and older. Young children under the age of 12 must consult with pediatrician for guidance on testing. The test on offer here will be diagnostic nose swab test and there will be no blood drawn. If you’re planning to travel to San Diego, you can locate these free testing sites in your area.
Testing sites open through the week
California Center for the Arts, Escondido Center Theater
Tuesday – Saturday: 7 AM – 7 PM
260 N. Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
Walk in testing site, make your appointment here or call 888-634-1123
Cal State University San Marcos, Viasat Engineering Pavilion
Tuesday – Saturday: 7 AM – 7 PM
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078
Walk-In testing site. No appointment necessary
Mira Mesa Senior Center
Fridays: 9 AM – 3 PM
8460 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126
Drive-Up testing site. Make appointments here or call 211
North Coastal Live Well Health Center
Wednesdays: 8:30 AM- 3:30PM
1701 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058
Drive-Up testing site. Make appointments here or call 211
Assessor Recorder County Clerk Building
Tuesday – Saturday: 7 AM – 7 PM
200 S Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
Walk-In testing site. Make appointments here or call 888-634-1123
San Diego State University (SDSU) Alumni Center
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
5250 55th St, San Diego, CA 92182
Walk-In testing site. No appointment necessary
Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library
Tuesdays: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
4275 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
Drive-Up testing site. Make appointments here or call 211
Sycuan Market
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 3:30 PM
4915 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019
Drive-Up testing site. Make appointments here or call 211
Mexican Consulate
Mondays: 8 AM – 3:30 PM
1549 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Walk-In testing site. No appointment necessary
Tubman-Chavez Community Center
Monday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
415 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92114
Walk-In testing site. No appointment necessary
Euclid Health Center
Saturdays: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
292 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92114
Drive-Up testing site. Make appointments here or call 211
Kimball Senior Center
Tuesday – Saturday: 7 AM – 7 PM
1221 D Ave, National City, CA 91950
Walk-In testing site. Make appointments here or call 888-634-1123
St. Anthony’s of Padua Parking Lot
Sundays: 9 AM – 2 PM
410 W 18th St, National City, CA 91950 (Located behind the church on 19th and Wilson)
Drive-Up testing site. Make appointments here or call 211
Chula Vista (Old Sears building)
Tuesday – Saturday: 7 AM – 7 PM
565 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Walk-In testing site. Make appointments here or call 888-634-1123
Aquatica San Diego
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Drive-Up testing site. Make appointments here or call 211
Mar Vista High School
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
505 Elm Ave, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Drive-Up testing site. Make appointments here or call 211
San Ysidro Civic Center
Tuesday – Saturday: 7 AM – 7 PM
212 West Park Ave, San Ysidro, CA 92173
Walk-In testing site. Make appointments here or call 888-634-1123
Testing sites open through September
Throughout the month of September, there are some drive-up testing sites you can visit in San Diego. While they accept walk ins, appointments are preferred, so make one here or call 211.
County Fire – Spring Valley County Library
Friday, 18 September: 9 AM – 2 PM
836 Kempton St, Spring Valley, CA 91977
County Fire – Deer Springs Boulder Oaks Golf Club
Friday, 18 September: 9 AM – 2 PM
10333 Meadow Glen Way, Escondido, CA 92026
County Fire – Rancho San Diego Library
Saturday, 19 September: 9 AM – 2 PM
11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA 92019
County Fire- Rincon Health Clinic (Indian Health Council)
Saturday, 19 September: 9 AM – 2 PM
50100 Golsh Rd, Valley Center CA, 92082
County Fire – Potrero Community Center
Monday, 21 September: 9 AM – 2 PM
24550 CA-94, Potrero, CA 91963
County Fire – Valley Center Elementary
Monday, 21 September: 9 AM – 2 PM
28751 Cole Grade Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082
CVS outlets
According to a recent report, kids 12 and older can also be tested for free at several drive-thru CVS outlets across San Diego. Registration by the parent or guardian will be necessary, and kids aged 12 to 15 need to be accompanied by parents or legal guardian.
What happens after the test?
While you wait for your test results, continue to monitor your health condition.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, stay home and keep your distance from others, including other people in your home.
- If you do not have symptoms, but were identified by a medical professional as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, you should quarantine at home.
- If you do not have symptom and have not been advised by a medical professional to quarantine at home, you can resume your activities while you wait for your test result. Minimizing your contact with others, continue to observe social distancing, wear face mask, and wash your hands.
When will I receive my test result?
You can expect tests from County-coordinated testing sites to be completed in approximately 3 to 5 days. If your result is negative, you will be notified via email. If it’s positive, you will be notified by phone and email. If you do not get an email or call after 5 days, contact 211 to speak to the COVID-19 Nurse Help Line.
