The general population may receive free COVID-19 testing at one of six San Diego Metropolitan Transit System locations amid skyrocketing case rates which resulted in an increased demand for testing.
San Diego County has seen a drastic uptick of COVID-19 cases, with more than 17,000 new confirmed cases Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the county Health and Human Services Agency reported.
A total of 13,587 tests were reported on Monday, and the seven-day average positivity rate was 23.3%, up from 17.1% on Thursday. Updates were not provided over the holiday weekend.
For months, MTS has partnered with Broadwell Health Clinics to administer free COVID-19 tests, but there is an increased demand according to Mark Olson, Director of Marketing and Communications for MTS. Tests will be available from Monday through Saturday from about 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. to the general public.
“We just want people to know that this is out there. Not just for our riders but just the general population,” Olson said.
All that is required to obtain a free test is a form of Identification and a phone number. According to Olson, these testing sites are located at the busiest transit stops throughout the county.
It is recommended for people to arrive through public transportation as parking at these locations is very limited. MTS is also looking to open another testing site at the San Diego State University Transit Center along with other locations.
In the past, MTS has offered free rides to people who are going to get their vaccines. According to Olson, professional cleaning crews sanitize vehicles every night after MTS service.
COVID-19 testing locations:
12th and Imperial Transit Center
COVID-19 Testing site. Walk-Up. No Appointment is required.
1255 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Iris Transit Center
COVID-19 Testing site. Walk-Up. No Appointment is required.
3120 Iris Ave, San Ysidro, CA 92173, USA
San Ysidro POE
COVID-19 Testing site. Walk-Up. No Appointment is required.
720 E San Ysidro Blvd, San Ysidro, CA, 92173, USA
Santa Fe Transit Center
1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101-3339, United States
Otay Mesa Transit Center
9499 Nicola Tesla Ct, San Diego, CA 92154, United States
Old Town Transit Center
4005 Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
For more information, visit https://testsd.io/testing-locations/ .
