OAKHURST — Confused about where to go for COVID-19 screening and testing?
If a mountain community resident is extremely ill and can’t drive or be driven to a test site or hospital, health officials advise calling 911.
Sierra Ambulance responds to all emergency medical calls in the mountain area — and according to CEO and General Manger Ed Guzman, its ambulance crews are fully prepared to deal with COVID-19.
“Right now, we’ve got enough personal protective equipment, things like masks and gloves,” said Guzman.”We’re available 24/7 and just trying to take care of people and keep them safe right now.”
Those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including a dry cough, fever and difficulty breathing should call their primary care physician first, according to health officials.
Those without a primary care physician — and those who cannot reach their regular doctor — can go directly to the outdoor screening site Camarena Health is operating at the Oakhurst Urgent Care, located at 49165 Road 426. Those determined to need a COVID-19 test will be sent to Camarena Health’s testing site at 344 E. 6th Street in Madera or to Madera Community Hospital.
Camarena Health’s outdoor testing site in Madera offers testing weekdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. while Madera Community Hospital remains the main COVID-19 test site in the county.
Because of a shortage of tests, screeners at the sites use criteria outlined by the Madera County Department of Pubic Health (MCDPH) to determine who should be tested.
Patients tested at Camarena Health’s Madera location will be sent home to self-quarantine pending test results per “Self Isolation Orders” from MCDPH. (“Unstable” patients who present at the test site will be directed immediately to Madera Community Hospital.)
For more information about COVID-19 testing at Camarena Health as well as their new provider phone visit services, click here.
