As demand for COVID-19 testing will increase, pop-up testing websites abound in Fresno — in road corners, parking tons, and purchasing facilities, in addition to on-line.
The Fresno County Division of Public Well being says many of those websites are unregulated and unapproved, and will result in fraudulent actions like id theft.
The division warns residents to pay attention to scams and recommends that residents confirm the credibility of testing websites earlier than looking for providers.
Right here’s a list of local testing sites vetted and accepted by FCDPH.
Vohra Warns About COVID Testing Scams
Fresno County’s interim well being officer, Dr. Rais Vohra, stated it has been an actual problem for a lot of dad and mom who’re struggling to get themselves and their youngsters examined.
“We don’t need you to fall prey to unscrupulous distributors … as a result of that info is sort of worse than having no info.” — Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County interim well being officer
“We don’t need you to fall prey to unscrupulous distributors who will not be above board when it comes to the assessments that they’re providing or the solutions that they’re supplying you with, as a result of that info is sort of worse than having no info,” stated Vohra.
“I urge residents to take proactive steps when looking for COVID-19 testing providers reminiscent of verifying credentials or utilizing one of many accepted areas listed on the Fresno County web site.”
Residents are urged to go to the FCDPH COVID-19 testing sources webpage for a list of local testing sites which may have direct info on the OptumServe testing websites, native space pharmacies, and group testing occasions.
Residents can even order free at-home assessments by mail on-line by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Federal Distribution Program.
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Ideas To Keep away from Fraudulent COVID Testing Websites
Fresno County residents can keep away from faux COVID-19 testing websites by taking the next precautions:
- Request medical credentials to show legitimacy.
- Ask which laboratory check is getting used (PCR or speedy check).
- Ask the place the check is being processed and whether it is being despatched to a lab.
- Ask how the outcomes might be reported.
Tricks to keep in mind to identify a fraudulent testing web site:
- They ask for social safety numbers or different non-medical info.
- Supplies wouldn’t have a emblem.
- The location is on a sidewalk and never affiliated with a medical supplier.
- Most FDA-approved speedy assessments outcomes take 10 minutes to twenty minutes. Something quicker is questionable.
Assume COVID Positivity If You Have Signs
Whereas testing for COVID is essential, Vohra desires people who find themselves visibly sick and experiencing COVID signs to imagine that they do have COVID.
Signs to be careful for embrace fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or issue respiration, fatigue, muscle or physique aches, headache, a brand new lack of style or scent, sore throat, congestion or runny nostril, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. These all may be signs of COVID-19, say well being officers.
“When you have any of these signs proper now, simply assume that you’ve got COVID or one thing else that’s contagious and infectious that forces you to remain dwelling.” stated Vohra. “Getting the check is secondary. However the important thing factor is, in case you really feel such as you’re contaminated, keep dwelling and don’t unfold it. Care for your self as finest as you may with or with out the testing.”
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Unlawful Testing Websites Change Places
Whereas the authorities work to close down these unlawful testing websites, others pop up of their place, says Vohra.
The stress to offer testing kits has saturated the market as demand continues to develop.
“Sadly, if we go shut down or if the authorities go shut down one web site that doesn’t seem to be it’s licensed to do what they’re doing, then the identical distributors or completely different distributors will give you one other enterprise mannequin and pop up elsewhere,” stated Vohra. “It looks like a sport of Whack-A-Mole at any time when we attempt to individually pinpoint and work with distributors.”
Vohra doesn’t count on that they’ll be capable of shut down all unlawful websites. That’s why it’s essential that individuals take the additional step of getting examined from licensed distributors and ordering at-home check kits from authorities websites.
“We have to accomplice with everybody to verify individuals have the most effective info that they will should make the most effective choices that they should make about the place to get examined,” stated Vohra.
Report Your COVID Check Outcomes
FCDPH encourages all residents who check optimistic for COVID to self isolate and report their at-home optimistic check outcomes to assist sluggish the unfold of COVID-19.
Anybody can self-report outcomes utilizing the Fresno County COVID-19 Self-Test webpage or ask for help by calling the Fresno County COVID-19 Data Line at (888) 559-2683.
