Testing

There are 2 main types of testing for COVID:

• PCR: This gets sent out to a lab with results usually back in 24 to 48 hours. Most labs will email your results. This test is considered more accurate, but can often test positive long after someone is actually contagious.
• Antigen (or Rapid): These tests are much more available now. They can be done in a lab or purchased at some pharmacies and done at home. These give results in 15 minutes and are a pretty good gauge of whether someone is actually contagious.

Antibody

Tests for antibodies may tell you if you have had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Your body creates antibodies after getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 or after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. These tests are called "antibody" or "serology" tests. Antibody testing is not currently recommended to determine if you have a current infection.

Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests (also known as self-tests) allow individuals to conveniently learn their COVID-19 status in the comfort of their own home at a time of their choosing. Convenient testing with rapid results may allow individuals with COVID-19 to learn their status earlier in their infection course, resulting in earlier isolation and limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Report your COVID-19 self-test securely with Self Test Reporting. Please report both negative and positive results to help track COVID-19 in Lake County.

Note that self-tests reported are not included in case counts, but reporting your results will help Lake County Public Health monitor COVID-19 in our community.

OptumServe is providing rapid antigen testing across Lake County to identify symptomatic patients who are positive for COVID-19 and are eligible to receive prescription antiviral pills (Paxlovid or molnupiravir). Adults and children of all ages can be tested on-site at any of the locations listed below. People 12 years and older who weigh more than 88 pounds (40 kilograms) and have high-risk conditions may be eligible for treatment. OptumServe staff will first connect patients with a registered nurse on-site who will gather initial medical and medication history before transferring a patient to a licensed prescribing telehealth provider to determine eligibility for treatment. Eligible patients will be able to receive an oral medication regimen on-site following the telehealth evaluation.

Accessing COVID-19 Treatments

COVID-19 treatments work best when taken soon after symptoms begin. Here is how to access outpatient COVID-19 treatments if you have symptoms:

1. Talk to your health care provider right after you notice symptoms to learn if you qualify for a COVID-19 treatment
2. If you do not have a health care provider offering treatments or do not hear back from your provider within a few days, visit a Test to Treat location to get rapid testing and find out if you are eligible for treatments
3. If you do not have insurance, visit an OptumServe location

COVID-19 Treatments Are Not a Substitute for the COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccinations remain the most effective tool in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Vaccination appointments can be made by visiting the My Turn website or calling 833-422-4255. The consent of a parent or legal guardian may be needed for those under age 18 to receive a vaccination. Visit the Vaccinate All 58 website to learn more about safe and effective vaccines available for all Californians 5 years of age and older

Learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 to watch for on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Symptoms of COVID-19 page and visit the CA Department of Public Health (CDPH) website to Get the Facts About COVID-19 Treatments.

Available Locations & Hours

• Lower Lake Town Hall(16195 Main Street, Lower Lake)
  • Saturdays 8 am to Noon and 1 to 4 pm, excluding holidays
• Mobile Van: Lake County Health Services(922 Bevins Court, Lakeport)
  • Mondays 8 am to Noon and 1 to 4 pm, excluding holidays and weather permitting
• Mobile Van: Anderson Ranch(15975 Anderson Ranch Parkway, Lower Lake)
  • Tuesdays 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm, excluding holidays and weather permitting
• Mobile Van: Twin Pine Casino and Hotel(22223 Highway 29, Middletown)
  • Wednesdays 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm, excluding holidays and weather permitting
• Mobile Van: Clearlake Senior Center(3245 Bower Avenue, Clearlake)
  • Thursdays 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm, excluding holidays and weather permitting
• Mobile Van: Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino(1545 State Highway 20, Nice)
  • Fridays 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm, excluding holidays and weather permitting

Important Notes

• Mobile Van sites may need close due to weather. Optum will make every effort to keep Mobile Van clinics open. If a Clinic does need to close due to weather, Optum will attempt to notify those with appointments whenever possible
• Test to Treat may not be available dependent on nursing availability
• Testing is available to all residents, including:
  • Uninsured
  • Underinsured
  • Undocumented
  • Homeless
  • Minors (with parent/guardian)

Every effort is made to keep this list as accurate as possible; however, testing availability is subject to change without notice. If you know of a testing location or change, please notify us at 707-263-8174 or by email.

Testing Resources