Additional COVID-19 testing site to open next week in Merced

Merced County will launch an additional testing site in the City of Merced.

The new testing site is projected to open on April 30, 2020.

This new site is one of 80 testing sites powered through a partnership with OptumServe, the federal government health services business of Optum, a leading health services innovation company.

Testing will be by appointment only. Additional information will be released when appointments become available.

“This testing site will help Merced County dramatically increase testing needs for individuals who have had limited access to COVID-19 tests up until now,” said Dr. Rebecca Nanyonjo-Kemp, Director of Public Health for Merced County “We’re thrilled to partner with the state and OptumServe to help ensure that our communities are healthy, while also helping meet California’s testing goals.”

To determine where to locate new testing sites, the state looked at both rural and urban areas where Californians would have to travel between 30 and 60 minutes to reach an existing testing site or hospital. That information was then evaluated based on underserved populations so residents have access to testing regardless of socioeconomic status.

OptumServe has extensive expertise in rapidly deploying and setting up health care services and has worked closely with the military under the leadership of former Army Surgeon General and retired Lieutenant General Patty Horoho, RN.

“OptumServe is honored to assist California in expanding COVID-19 testing for residents,” said Patty Horoho, CEO of OptumServe. “We are bringing our full commitment and capabilities to serve Californians, including extensive experience conducting large community health events.”

At maximum capacity, OptumServe will be able to support up to 80 testing sites at one time throughout the state, increasing total testing capacity by more than 10,500 tests per day.

“Thanks to Merced County and to OptumServe for the collaboration to make these testing sites possible,” said Charity Dean, M.D., Assistant Director of the California Department of Public Health. “We’re working together as part of the state’s Testing Task Force to ensure regions with the greatest need have access to tests, and these sites are going to be a major component in reaching our testing goals.”