Clinica Sierra Vista to Offer COVID-19 Testing by Appointment, and for Established Patients

As the central valley experiences an increased demand for COVID-19 testing amid the current Omicron variant surge, and with necessary testing kits in short supply, effective immediately; Clinica Sierra Vista will be implementing the following changes to COVID-19 testing policies in both Kern and Fresno counties: 

• COVID-19 testing will be offered to established patients only 
• Walk-in testing will no longer be offered
• COVID-19 testing will be by appointment only 

“Like many other providers and medical establishments, we have received an overwhelming amount of people seeking a COVID-19 test, unfortunately the current supplies are not meeting demand,” said Tim Calahan, spokesperson at Clinica Sierra Vista. “At this time we are only offering COVID-19 tests to established patients, and by appointment only.” 

"If you are a patient of Clinica Sierra Vista and experiencing mild symptoms, like a scratchy or sore throat, nasal congestion, assume you have COVID-19, self-isolate and contact your provider to schedule a test," said Dr. Olga Meave, Chief Medical Officer at Clinica Sierra Vista. "We encourage our patients to follow latest CDC guidance if they are experiencing symptoms, and while waiting for tests results."

To schedule an appointment and be evaluated for COVID-19, please call (661) 328-4223 or (833) 678-2781.

You may experience the following symptoms 2-14 days after exposure:

   •   Cough

   •   Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

   •   Fever

   •   Chills

   •   Muscle pain

   •   Sore throat

   •   Loss of taste or smell

COVID-19 testing will be done via PCR and sent to Clinica Sierra Vista’s reference lab for resulting.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recommends people wear face coverings in public settings, and self-isolate for at least 5-days while waiting for testing results.