Malibu Offering Free Drive-Through Coronavirus Testing

MALIBU, CA — The City of Malibu is offering free drive-through coronavirus testing for first responders and high-risk residents today through Saturday, the City news release said.

The City partnered with Community Organized Response Effort (CORE), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, and local medical providers to make the drive-through testing happen.

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“This excellent partnership with CORE that will provide crucial coronavirus testing service for our first responders and community members is a perfect example of how government agencies, community-based organizations and volunteers can combine forces to meet this crisis,” Mayor Karen Farrer said. “I am very grateful to CORE’s founder, Malibu resident Sean Penn, for this effort and I am proud and inspired to see the outpouring of support and resources from community-based organizations, volunteers, professionals and regular people at every level.”

There is no pre-registration. The testing will be offered in two phases:

• Phase 1: On Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7, free testing is provided only for first responders (law enforcement, firefighters, medical professionals, paramedics) and essential workers serving the community in Malibu.
• Phase 2: Testing will be provided for Malibu residents.

The tests will be conducted using an FDA-approved nasal swab with an expected two-day turnaround for results, the news release said. First responders, essential workers and residents requesting a test will drive through the upper parking lot at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road). Drivers will be instructed on the highly secure process when they arrive. Those being tested will not leave their cars. They will be given a sterile swab kit through the car window, close the window, take the swab sample on themselves and then seal the swab, the news release said. Drivers will then drop it through the window into a bin.

The testing service is carried out locally by COVID Clinic, a partner of CORE. For more information, call call (310) 853-1454 or visit the COVID Clinic website.

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There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.