New Coronavirus Testing Options In Berkeley

Berkeley CA

14 January, 2021

9:51 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Berkeley: January 14, 2021 Press Contact: Matthai Chakko, (510) 981-7008 Use tests to identify when to isolate Berkeley, California (Thursday, January 14, 2021) - You now have more places to get a COVID-19 test in Berkeley to help more quickly identify whether you or your loved ones should isolate and quarantine to stop the virus' spread. Our first pop-up sites will rotate between downtown locations as well as sites in south and west Berkeley. By increasing options, we hope more people will get tested - especially as the current surge shows the virus is spreading more than ever. Tuesday, January 19, Harold Way, between Kittredge and Allston Wednesday, January 20, Berkeley Bowl West, 920 Heinz Ave. Thursday January 21, Harold Way, between Kittredge and Allston Tuesday January 26, Harold Way, between Kittredge and Allston Wednesday, January 27, Meyer Sound, 1025 Ashby Ave. Parking Lot Thursday, January 28, Harold Way, between Kittredge and Allston People can make an appointment online. These tests are performed by Optum, a provider funded by the state and coordinated by the City. Use tests and symptom recognition as one tool to protect yourself and our community Tests and recognition of COVID-19 symptoms are crucial to stopping the spread. Anyone who tests positive, has been told by a medical provider that they are presumed positive, has COVID-19 symptoms or has symptoms after being exposed to a test-positive case within the past two weeks should take immediate action to isolate. Those who are exposed should quarantine. Negative tests don't mean you're not infected People should not use a negative test to gather or loosen the public health actions that are essential to keeping our community safe during this unprecedented surge. A single negative test result does not mean a person is not infected with the virus. People may unknowingly spread the virus if they don't quarantine after an exposure. Even if testing negative early, they may become positive at a later point. Last Friday, the FDA issued a safety message about "false negatives" in testing from Curative, a test vendor used around the region and in Berkeley. The City has reached out to the company and the state to get more information. If anyone is concerned about a particular test approach, we offer other options as a City and many more are available through the region or through their health care providers. We recommend that people talk to their doctor about individual diagnostic decisions. Protect yourself before a test is needed Protective actions - such as staying home, wearing face coverings, avoiding crowds and keeping six feet from those not in your household - are essential because the virus may not be detected by any test for two weeks. Get tested. You'll help protect yourself, your family and our community. Keep up with City of Berkeley news via our News page, email or Follow @CityofBerkeley. This press release was produced by the City of Berkeley. The views expressed here are the author's own.