Due to changing conditions in the fight against COVID-19 and the increase in the number of cases reported in the central valley, Clinica Sierra Vista is announcing changes to testing algorithms and patient appointment processes.

As of Thursday, only patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms will be administered a test in person. Patients who fear they have been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive can be tested at any of the Kern and Fresno public health locations throughout the valley if they are asymptomatic.

"We have seen an increase in the amount of patients that are showing up with symptoms, and we want to make sure we always have test kits available to test those patients," said Dr. Olga Meave, Chief Medical Officer at Clinica Sierra Vista. "For patients that have been exposed and do not have symptoms, we will give them the information on where to go."

Patients can call 1-833-278-4584 to be connected to a location that is most convenient and make an appointment.

"The next several days are critical in the fight against COVID-19 in the central valley," said Tim Calahan, Director of Public Relations for Clinica Sierra Vista. "The decisions people make this weekend will have life and death consequences in the coming days and weeks. If we have another spike in cases from exposures this weekend, our health care systems will be overwhelmed over the next 7-14 days."