Over 200,000 at home antigen tests were requested from federal supplies, by Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.
Nearly 57,000 have been delivered to the County and are being distributed across the community, Dana Gamble, Deputy Director of Primary Care and Family Health, Santa Barbara Public Health Department, told KCLU.
"These tests are great when someone has symptoms - they can take a test and know whether or not they have to isolate," he said.
He added: "It's a way of getting access to more testing for the community as Omicron continues."
The remaining kits are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
“Through the receipt of these initial test kit shipments, we are on the road to community members having regular access to free, at-home test kits,” shared County Public Health Director Van Do-Reynoso. “It is only through the many partners that have agreed to assist in test kit distribution that we are able to ensure equity of access for all of our Santa Barbara County communities.”
Approximately 35 community partners, including those serving populations at greatest risk from adverse outcomes related to COVID-19 have been allocated test kits. Partners include community-based organizations, cities, agricultural and public housing providers, service providers for persons experiencing homelessness, and more.
Community distribution events will begin taking place as test kits are given to partners in the next few days. Sites open to the public will be listed at https://publichealthsbc.org/testing. The 2-1-1 Call Center will be available to direct persons who do not have access to the internet as sites are opened.
County Public Health will host a one-day distribution event open to the public in Santa Maria this Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. If supplies run out before 4 p.m., the event will end early. The event will take place at the Santa Maria Health Care Center located at 2115 Centerpointe Pkwy, Santa Maria, CA 93455.
For information about current testing opportunities, vaccination events, and COVID-19 response in Santa Barbara County, visit https://publichealthsbc.org or call 2-1-1.
