Five new COVID-19 testing sites are being offered by the Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force and Kern County Public Health Department this week and encouraging residents to take part as the county and state strive to reduce the surge.
By having an increased number of testing, health officials will have a better gauge of how COVID-19 is affecting the local community as the nation is coping with a surge. Through the testing, health officials will be able to help residents determine if they test positive or not, or if they need to quarantine or seek medical assistance or other resources. The testing also helps with meeting state guidelines.
“Kern County is seeing an increase in positive COVID-19 test results, and that’s a good thing,” said Jay Tamsi, co-founder of the Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force. “As more people take an active role in their health and take advantage of the Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force’s FREE testing sites, public health is able to adequately trace and assist residents who test positive for the virus. The more we test, the better our county will be able to heal and sustain a healthy community environment.”
Contact tracers are also helping the county health department. Last week’s Task Force organized testing locations resulted in high turnout of residents and with the holidays in full swing, the Task Force hopes to continue the momentum.
Tamsi said, “With one large holiday behind us and some folks who took advantage of Black Friday special, it’s important to get tested after a long week, even if you don’t have Covid symptoms. I urge folks to test for your loved ones – family, children, friends and our community.”
Until county health officials and Governor Newsom says otherwise, Tamsi added that the county is still required to meet state guidelines to remain at or change to a new tier stage. Currently, Kern County, like most counties in the state, is in the purple tier but continued testing can make a significant difference. Tamsi said he was pleased that more people are turning out for the tests. He reminded residents to continue practicing proper health guidelines, including wear a mask, frequently washing hands and practice social distancing.
This week’s testing sites are as follows:
WHEN: Tuesday, December 1st (12 P.M. – 4 P.M.)
WHERE: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
1015 Clinton Street, Delano, CA 93215
*Free face masks will be given to individuals, courtesy of Adventist Health Bakersfield and Jim Burke Ford.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 2nd (12 P.M. – 4 P.M.)
WHERE: Bear Mountain Elementary School
1501 Hood St. (Parking Lot), Arvin, CA 93203
WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd (12 P.M. – 4 P.M.)
WHERE: Sierra Vista Elementary School
300 Franklin St. (Parking Lot), Arvin, CA 93203
WHEN: Friday, December 4th (9 A.M. – 5 P.M.)
WHERE: Greenfield Family Resource Center
5400 Monitor Street, Bakersfield, CA 93307
WHEN: Saturday, December 5th (10 A.M. – 2 P.M.)
WHERE: Weedpatch Supermarket
8101 Buena Vista Blvd. (Parking Lot), Lamont, CA 93241
Walk-ins are acceptable and everyone is strongly welcomed and encouraged to attend. There are no pre-registration requirements. The Task Force asks that people please wear a mask and social distance while on site.
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