Residents in the South County now have multiple places where they can get COVID-19 tests without paying a dime.

Through the company HRSupport residents in Manteca, Lathrop, and Tracy now have a place they can schedule an appointment online and receive a free test to determine whether they have the novel coronavirus – all without the previous requirement of a doctor’s approval.

The Lathrop Generations Center, located at 450 Spartan Way, is being used at the Lathrop location for drive-thru and walk-up appointments, and the Manteca Transit Center, located at 220 Moffat Boulevard, is also offering the same services.

The sites are operating from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and residents can schedule an online appointment by visiting www.hrsupportpros.com/covid-19-testing-sites-1 or by driving to either of the locations during regular operating hours.

Those with insurance are encouraged to bring their insurance card along with a photo ID, although the nasal swab tests will also be provided to those who do not have medical insurance.

The free testing is available to patients of all ages, although those under of the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

While access to COVID-19 testing in San Joaquin County has been growing in recent months, the recent free testing sites – which also includes a location at the West Valley Mall in Tracy – are open to those without an appointment and without a referral from a medical professional.

The enhanced availability of testing is coming just as the virus appears to be spiking in some neighboring areas like Stanislaus County – which has seen its hospitalizations increase to numbers not seen since September.

Currently ICU beds in San Joaquin County are at 88 percent of capacity and only 7 percent of those in the ICU in San Joaquin County have tested positive for the coronavirus. Only 5 percent of all hospital admissions in the county as of Monday afternoon involved those confirmed to have COVID-19 – numbers significantly down from where they were over the summer when at least one hospital in the county received federal assistance to help staff a burgeoning hospital population.

For additional information about testing sites or to schedule an appointment for a free walkup or drive-up testing session visit www.hrsupportpros.com.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.