For Immediate Release

Lake Isabella, California, March 10, 2020 – Effective immediately, our Clinical Providers and Laboratory here at Kern Valley Hospital, using our reference laboratory, Quest Diagnostics, can now test for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The new test service aids the presumptive detection in respiratory specimens of patients meeting CDC's clinical criteria for COVID-19 testing. If you or your family have concerns that you have been exposed or are showing symptoms, please call and speak to your healthcare provider.

 Symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath

 The best protection against COVID-19 and the flu are:

• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Use tissues to catch coughs and sneeze, then put them in the trash and wash your hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.


For more information, contact Deborah Hess at 760-379-5257 or email Deborahhess@kvhd.org