Marin To Offer Free Coronavirus Testing In San Rafael Canal Area

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Marin County announced Friday it will open a new testing site Monday in San Rafael's Canal neighborhood.

Testing will be free and by appointment only, according to the county. Essential workers and people experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be prioritized. Multilingual staff members will be available to assist with appointment booking and testing.

The new testing site was made possible through a partnership between private company OptumServe, the state of California, Marin County Public Health and several community organizations.

"The state is making good on the promise to support our testing capacity," said Dr. Matt Willis, the county's public health officer. "This site will help reach residents who've had limited access to health care and COVID-19 tests up until now. We need to match any changes to our shelter-in-place order with the ability to widely test. This is an important step in that direction."

Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

In determining a new testing site, consideration was given to underserved populations, to address known disparities, so residents have access to testing regardless of socioeconomic status, according to the county. Marin is working with community-based organizations to make residents aware of the new site and support residents who may be diagnosed with COVID-19 and their families.

"This partnership with the county will provide more equitable access to testing and care," Canal Alliance CEO Omar Carrera said. "Anyone who needs COVID-19 testing or medical treatment should feel comfortable to seek help and should not be fearful of the outcome. People who test positive will get the support they need during this challenging time."

The new testing site in San Rafael adds to testing options available through most medical providers, the county-run drive-thru testing site, two mobile testing units, and a new site established this week in Marin City.

Also see:

• California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures
• Coronavirus In Marin County: Latest News
• 13th Coronavirus Death, Shelter-In-Place Order Extended In Marin
• 11th Coronavirus Death In Marin County, 203 Cases
• Marin County Makes Face Coverings Mandatory: Coronavirus
• Coronavirus: Marin County Sees Signs Of Flattening The Curve
• Marin County Prepares For Surge In Coronavirus Patients
• Marin County Public Health Officer Recovers From Coronavirus
• 10th Coronavirus Death Reported In Marin County
• Marin County Cancels Classes For Rest Of School Year