The city of Irvine announced it will begin offering free COVID-19 testing to residents who live or work in Irvine, beginning on Monday, July 13.

In doing so, Irvine becomes the first city in Orange County to offer free COVID-19 testing to residents.

In a tweet Friday, July 10, the city of Irvine provided details on its free COVID-19 testing program which will be held at the Orange County Great Park.

According to the Friday’s release, Irvine’s free COVID-19 testing sites will be able to accommodate approximately 200-260 tests per day.

Residents do not need to be symptomatic to get tested. However, the city will only offer a PCR test, which only screens for the active virus. More information on testing can be found the Irvine COVID-19 Drive-Up Testing FAQ page on the city’s website.

In a statement to residents, Irvine Mayor Christina Shea said she was proud of the City Council’s move to become the first city in Orange County to offer free COVID-19 testing to residents.

“The City Council has put in place appropriate and forward-thinking safety measures every step of the way since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Shea said. “I am very proud that Irvine will be the first city in Orange County to provide testing to those that live and work in Irvine, regardless of whether they have symptoms. Testing continues to be a critical component for reopening under state guidance, while ensuring the health of our community.”

In May, Irvine cancelled a $95,000 drive-thru testing program, citing accuracy concerns.

HCA staff perform COVID testing in the Public Health Lab

HCA staff perform COVID testing in the Public Health Lab (OC Health Care Agency)

Currently, Irvine’s free COVID-19 testing program will be available to residents and those who work in the city — by appointment only.

The move to offer free testing to residents was spearheaded by Irvine Vice Mayor Mike Carroll who explained that he thought this was essential to the well-being of those who live and work in the city.

“Making testing accessible to those who live and work in Irvine is essential to reinforce our health and safety efforts,” Carroll said. “As the councilmember who brought this initiative forward, I am pleased that we are now able to move forward with a testing program that supports the needs of our community. We remain committed to implement one of the most important tools available to protect Irvine from COVID-19.”

The testing program will begin Monday July 13 at 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The testing site will remain open Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

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