Coronavirus Drive-Thru Testing Site Opens In Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, CA — Riverside County health officials are encouraging Coachella Valley residents who have coronavirus symptoms and are concerned they may have the illness to get tested at a drive-up facility set up at a church in Indian Wells.

“I am pleased that we are working with our local partners to ensure the community has access to testing,” said Chairman V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor.

Those who want to get tested must have symptoms and must call 800-945-6171 to schedule an appointment before showing up to Southwest Church. Drive-ups without appointments cannot be accommodated.

Some COVID-19 symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose or congestion. Those who have risk of exposure may also be tested, which means exposure to a confirmed case or have traveled to an affected area.

Testing starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. by appointment only. The address is 44-175 Washington St.; community members may enter off Warner Trail.

The Indian Wells site will be open only through Friday, March 20, but that date could be extended "if a need remains," said Riverside County spokesperson Brooke Federico.

Residents from throughout the county can visit the Indian Wells site for testing, Federico confirmed.

As for a potential drive-thru site in western Riverside County, Federico said officials are working to get one set up and expect to release information soon.

As of Thursday early afternoon, 12 of the Riverside County residents infected by COVID-19 are in Coachella Valley, and three people there have died from the disease. Two other COVID-19 infections have been confirmed in western Riverside County. Two additional county residents were confirmed positive for the disease while traveling.

For more information about coronavirus in Riverside County, visit https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.

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