Looking for a COVID-19 test in Orange County? Many others are too

“We’re seeing a shortage – it’s a national one, and it’s translating to the hospitals as well,” Dr. Shruti Gohil, associate medical director of epidemiology and infection prevention at UCI Medical Center, said of the more accurate, lab-based PCR tests. And for those who want to self-test at home, she said, “The big problem with (rapid) antigen tests right now is that you can’t get any.” … Now, with many people (whether vaccinated or not) getting together for holiday celebrations, there are “more opportunities for exposure,” Sanghyuk Shin, an [associate professor of nursing], who directs UC Irvine’s Infectious Disease Science Initiative said. “I think that’s one of the things that’s driving demand.” … David Souleles, MPH, who directs UC Irvine’s COVID-19 response team, called “the perfect storm of timing and holidays” has already taxed emergency departments and it’s straining the testing system.