Fresno Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Accessibility

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact travel plans, testing requirements for passengers entering the US have been implemented by the CDC. Fresno Yosemite International Airport serves over a thousand passengers travelling to Mexico each week, and those returning to the US must provide a negative COVID-19 test. Testing options are available at various locations in Fresno, including the airport, medical centres, pharmacies, and drive-through sites. Home antigen tests are also a convenient option for travellers, with results typically available within 24 hours or less.

Covid testing requirements for Fresno flights to Mexico

If you're taking a flight from Fresno to Mexico, you'll need to follow certain COVID testing requirements to enter Mexico and return to the US. Here are the details:

COVID Testing Requirements for Entering Mexico:

As of December 2024, there don't appear to be any mandatory COVID testing requirements for entering Mexico. Visitors from Fresno can enter Mexico without restrictions and are not required to present a negative COVID test result upon arrival. However, it's always a good idea to check for updates and changes in requirements before your trip.

COVID Testing Requirements for Returning to the US from Mexico:

When returning to the US from Mexico, you will need to follow the COVID testing requirements mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These requirements apply to all international flights arriving in the US. Here's what you need to do:

• Get a viral test for current infection (either a PCR or antigen test) within three days before your flight back to the US from Mexico. Only children under 2 years old are exempt from this requirement.
• Provide written documentation of your negative test result to the airline before boarding. You can also provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 if you've previously had the disease.
• Complete a form confirming the authenticity of your test result.
• Keep in mind that the airline will deny boarding to any passenger who fails to comply with these requirements.

Additional Recommendations:

The CDC also recommends that passengers get tested again 3-5 days after arriving in the US and stay home for the first week. While testing helps slow the spread of the virus, it doesn't eliminate all risk. Combining testing with other precautions like wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home when necessary makes travel safer and healthier.

COVID Testing Options in Mexico:

If you need to get tested in Mexico before returning to the US, there are testing options available. Mexico City laboratories, mostly private, offer international travellers test results within 24-72 hours. The costs for these tests range from 950 to 4,000 pesos ($47-$200). Remember to use an authorized testing laboratory to meet the requirements.

Covid testing sites in Fresno

Fresno Yosemite International Airport does not appear to offer on-site COVID-19 testing. However, there are several testing sites in Fresno.

UCSF Fresno offers COVID-19 testing near Fashion Fair Mall. This site has been known to have long lines, so be prepared to wait.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health has a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 testing sites. This page includes a list of clinic and Federally Qualified Health Center testing sites, including:

• PEACHWOOD MEDICAL GROUP URGENT CARE
• VALLEY HEALTH TEAM-CLOVIS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER- CALVIVA
• ARMSTRONG URGENT CARE
• ARIA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER- FOWLER - LASALLE
• DIZON MEDICINE GROUP URGENT CARE
• NORTHWEST MEDICAL GROUP URGENT CARE
• AFC URGENT CARE FRESNO
• UNITED HEALTH CENTERS- BULLARD
• And more

In addition to these sites, there are also Verily Testing Sites and OptumServe Testing Sites in Fresno County. Verily has partnered with Rite Aid, so testing at any Rite Aid site in Fresno County will not result in charges to your insurance carrier. There are two Rite Aid stores in Fresno County that have partnered with Verily:

• 3795 W. Shields Ave.
• 1210 N. Blackstone Ave.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health webpage also includes information about quick and easy-to-use COVID-19 home test kits, which are available in pharmacies, stores, and through the federal free at-home test kit program.

Covid testing for Fresno residents without insurance

Fresno Yosemite International Airport requires all incoming passengers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure. However, the airport does not provide on-site testing for incoming or outgoing passengers. Testing is available at local urgent care centres, select CVS pharmacies, and other medical centres.

Fresno County residents without insurance can get a free COVID-19 test at no cost at hundreds of sites across the county. Vaccinations are also available for free, regardless of immigration status or insurance coverage. To find a testing centre, Fresno County residents can visit the Fresno County Department of Public Health website or call 833-422-4255.

In addition, free at-home COVID-19 test kits are available for all Fresno residents through the federal government website, COVIDTests.gov. Each household can order four free tests with no additional costs, insurance, or credit card information required.

Covid testing for Fresno residents with insurance

If you are a Fresno resident with insurance and are looking to get a COVID test, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, it is recommended that you contact your primary care physician for a referral to a testing site. Many local urgent care clinics, medical centres, and select CVS pharmacies are now conducting COVID tests. You can also visit the website of the Fresno County Department of Public Health for more information on available testing centres.

One option for COVID testing in Fresno is AFC Urgent Care Fresno, which offers both rapid and regular COVID testing services to residents of Fresno and the surrounding areas. They accept most major insurance plans and also offer competitive self-pay pricing for those without insurance. You can schedule an appointment with them online or simply walk in during their extended hours, which include evenings and weekends. Their address is 3656 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93711.

Another option is Community Medical Centers, which conducts COVID-19 testing for patients with immediate surgical or other health requirements. Test results are usually available within a day. However, please note that their tests are not intended for the general public and are reserved for patients with symptoms needing critical medical attention.

Covid testing for Fresno residents with symptoms

If you are a Fresno resident experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it is important to get tested. Testing is free for Fresno County residents, regardless of whether they are displaying symptoms or not.

Firstly, contact your primary care physician for a referral to a testing site. Many local urgent care centres and medical centres, as well as select CVS pharmacies, are now conducting tests. You can also find more information on available testing centres through the Fresno County Department of Public Health.

If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to stay at home and self-isolate while waiting for your test results. This means restricting all activities outside of your home, except for medical care. You should also avoid sharing personal household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home until you know more.

Remember to follow good health practices such as careful hand hygiene, wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing, covering your coughs and sneezes, and cleaning all "high-touch" surfaces daily.

Frequently asked questions