Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing To Begin In Sonoma County

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Beginning Saturday and continuing for several weeks, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services Disease Control Unit is scheduled to conduct drive-thru coronavirus testing of those most vulnerable and at risk of contracting the virus, county officials announced Thursday in a news release.

"Having the capacity to adequately test those who are most at risk of contracting COVID-19 is essential to keep our community safe," said Susan Gorin, Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. "Expanded testing can help us examine how widespread COVID-19 is in our County."

The announcement comes after Dr. Sundari Mase, the county's public health officer, said Wednesday the county received 5,000 specimen swabs for additional testing for coronavirus — with another 100,000 swabs expected within the next two weeks.

The county plans to start by testing health care workers, with or without symptoms. For the purposes of testing, the county defines a health care worker as a person employed at a health care facility whose job duties regularly put them in contact with patients. These include:

— Medical staff, such as doctors, nurses and nursing assistants;

— Social workers/counselors working in health care facilities

— Front desk/intake staff;

— Dietitians;

— Housekeeping and janitorial staff; and

— Security personnel working in health care facilities

Drive-thru testing of health care workers is expected to begin April 25 by appointment only. The testing is to take place during daylight hours in the parking lot area of the Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory, 3133 Chanate Road in Santa Rosa. Health care workers are encouraged to call 707-565-4667 to make an appointment.

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"Being able to test our health care workers is important to keep them safe as well as our community, and ensures our health care system can continue to function throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," Dr. Mase said. "It’s great that our county now has this expanded capacity."

Testing availability for additional groups is to be announced at a later date and by priority as listed below:

— First responders with symptoms;

— Residents older than 65 who have underlying health conditions (with and without symptoms); and

— Any member of the community with symptoms.

Robust testing is a critical component to protecting public health and works to flatten the curve, county officials said. The ability to monitor and protect communities through testing also was one of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's six key indicators for modifying the stay-at-home order last week, the county said.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.