In the wake of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in the state of California, a COVID-19 test site has been set up just outside PedEast, where tens of thousands of pedestrians cross into the United States from Mexico every day.

This is said to be the closest coronavirus test site to a U.S.-Mexican border, according to San Diego County, and is the result of a data-driven, community-led strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19 in South Bay communities.

Officials have long known that the pandemic has disproportionately affected the southern region of the county, where cases continue to rise.

The proximity to the border also plays a role, officials said. The two regions are linked by daily travel across the border, in both directions, every day.

Despite U.S. restrictions on non-essential travel, an estimated 18 thousand to 22 thousand people cross the border at PedEast each day, federal officials said. Most are estimated to be essential workers in health-care facilities, public agencies and restaurants.

The PedEast test site is designed with these essential workers in mind. The site will operate Monday through Friday starting next week and will accept its first visits in the early morning hours when employees are most likely to cross over.

Officials indicate that no appointment is necessary and there will be about 200 tests available per day. The site is also close to the San Ysidro Transit Center, making it accessible to nearby residents as well.

It will cost about $309,000 a month to operate, and people who want to take the test will not be asked about their immigration status or any information about their household.

For more information on COVID-19 test sites near you, click on this link.

With information from The San Diego Union Tribune