Two COVID-19 Testing Sites Available in Natomas

Mayor Pro Tem Angelique Ashby speaks at a joint press conference with the Natomas Unified School District and Mexican Consulate. / Photo NatomasBuzz.com

BY BRANDY TUZON BOYD
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Free COVID-19 testing will be available at two locations in Natomas starting next week, it was announced today during a morning press conference held at the Mexican Consulate.

The Natomas sites will provide free testing for any Sacramento resident who believes they need to be tested, regardless of insurance, U.S. citizenship or legal residence status.

“We are thrilled to announce that in partnership with the Natomas Unified School District and the Mexican Consulate, Natomas now has two safe, convenient, free, COVID-19 testing sites,” said Mayor Pro Tem Angelique Ashby.

Starting June 23 free COVID-19 testing will be available 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday at the Natomas Unified School District Service Center, located at 1931 Arena Boulevard. Testing will be available by appointment only and the number of tests per day will be limited.

“Local testing in Natomas provides families, staff, students and residents with an extra level of support for health and safety,” Superintendent Chris Evans said. “Our community is, has been, and always will be, better when we work together. This is another example of the power of working together.”

This additional testing site will help public health officials track and defuse potential coronavirus outbreaks as California begins to ease stay-at-home restrictions, officials said during the press conference. Testing is meant for residents who are asymptomatic or experiencing mild to moderate symptoms such as fever and/or respiratory symptoms.

The Mexican Consulate, located at 2093 Arena Boulevard, already provides free, drop-in COVID-19 testing at a mobile clinic. Tests are administered in partnership with Elica Health Centers on a first-come-first-serve basis, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

“We invite everyone to visit the consulate and get tested,” said Consul General Liliana Ferrer, “through early detection we avoid putting our loved ones at risk and save lives.”

Area residents are encouraged to take the voluntary “Natomas Healthy Pledge” and request an appointment if they believe they need to be tested.

“The health and safety of our community remains our highest priority,” said Ashby. “These two test sites will help us navigate decision making by making available broad community testing for COVID-19.”

Testing at the Natomas Unified School District location is available by appointment only, and appointments can be requested at www.natomasunified.org/covid-19-testing. Individuals who have questions or concerns about scheduling an appointment can contact Natomas Unified’s Constituent and Customer Services department at (916) 561-5253 or [email protected].