Why is rapid COVID-19 testing important?
The United States has been trying to scale its testing capabilities since the COVID-19 virus took control of the population in March, with rapid COVID testing being a massive way to test large population segments. With more tests, there are more capabilities to detect the virus and quarantine those that have tested positive. As of August, there is an average of around 40,000 new positive tests a day in the United States. It is more important than ever to make tests widely accessible to the general population in order to access who has contracted the virus, and quarantine them to stop the spread.
How is COVID-19 spread?
According to the CDC, the COVID-19 virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person, primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, usually when they are in close contact (within six feet of each other). Symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath usually appear anywhere between 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Some people may be asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms. Making rapid testing widely available may help in catching cases before people develop symptoms and spread the virus further.
What rapid COVID-19 tests are available?
There are two main types of COVID-19 tests; a viral test and an antibody test. Viral tests are used to detect an active virus in the body, and an antibody test is used to detect a response in the immune system to the COVID-19 virus (meaning the immune system has been exposed to the virus and has built up a defense against it). Rapid COVID testing is particularly important with viral testing, so that an active virus can be detected quickly, and the infected person can quarantine without spreading the virus to others. Rapid COVID testing can give a result in under 24 hours, and allow for a quick response if the virus is detected in a patient. If you or a loved one begins to exhibit symptoms, or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, it is important to receive a test with fast results in order to protect the health of yourself and others.
Where can I receive a rapid COVID-19 test?
Rapid COVID testing sites vary by region. While there are COVID testing sites across the nation, only select testing sites offer rapid results. Best COVID Testing Sites, based out of Southern California, offers rapid COVID testing at our site in Norco, California. Located in the Silverlakes Sporting Center parking lot at 5555 Hamner Ave, Norco CA 92860, this COVID testing location is open Sunday-Monday from 7:30am-9:45pm, making it easy to find an appointment time that works with your schedule. The Best COVID Testing Site in Norco has partnered with COVID Clinic to provide Rapid COVID tests, rapid antibody tests, and expedited PCR tests. With our rapid COVID testing, we take a sample by a nose swab and can have results within an hour. Best COVID Testing Sites powered by Lifeline Health and COVID Clinic can provide you the fast results you need to keep track of your health and slow the spread of COVID-19. Book an appointment at our website today.
Sources:
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/testing/individual-states
https://lifelinehealth.covidclinic.org/