This week, the City of Chula Vista, in coordination with the County of San Diego, opened a new COVID-19 testing site at the South Chula Vista Branch Library. Citing the high number of COVID cases in the South County, City and County leaders are hoping the expanded testing option will encourage more residents to be tested.

The free, no appointment, drive-up site is open Sunday through Thursday from 12:30 to 8 p.m. Chula Vista is using CARES funding to staff the site with emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and City staff who will serve in support functions. The site offers diagnostic tests, designed to reveal if there is an active COVID-19 infection. Diagnostic tests generally involve collection of a swab sample from the nose. There is no blood drawn for these tests and the testing process takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Results are normally received in three or four days.

The South Library is located at 389 Orange Avenue on the corner of Orange and Fourth Avenues. Residents interested in obtaining the free test are advised to enter from Fourth Avenue and be prepared to register on your mobile device. In addition to the test, participants will receive one of the popular City logo-themed face masks. The City locally purchased 25,000 face masks featuring the City logo and a link to the City’s website to get the latest information.