This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientist was preparing a patient’s sample for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing, using the CDC serologic test. (James Gathany/CDC 2020)

The San Joaquin County Public Health Services is encouraging residents to get COVID-19 tested for free at different sites throughout the county.

With recent holiday gatherings, the county’s public health services suggested people get tested with or without symptoms before returning back to school or work as a precaution.

Stockton sites include San Joaquin General Hospital that’s open Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Kennedy Community Center is open and San Joaquin Delta College is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other testing locations are the Lodi Community Services Center that’s open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s, the Lathrop Business Park that’s open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Larch Clover Community Center in Tracy that’s available from Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Some sites may be closed on Jan. 1-2 due to the holidays.

The “Test to Treat” sites allow people to get tested, consult with a health care provider and if needed receive medication to help treat the virus.

“We are happy to offer the convenience of getting tested and treated in one location and we’re thankful that members of our community will benefit from medication that can decrease their risk of hospitalization or death,” said Maggie Park, San Joaquin County Public Health Officer.

Victoria Franco is a Stockton-based reporter covering the diverse news around the Central Valley as part of the Report for America program. As a Stockton native, Franco is proud to cover stories within her community and report a variety of coverage. She is a San Jose State University alumna with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. In her collegiate years she was Managing Editor for the Spartan Daily. From her time at the Spartan Daily she helped lead her staff to California College Media Awards and a General Excellence first place. Victoria encourages readers to email her story tips and ideas at victoria.franco@baycitynews.com.