San Rafael, CA – Increasing COVID-19 testing capacity has been a state and local priority. Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent announcement to add more than 80 community testing sites across the state focused on underserved communities, Marin County will launch a new testing site in San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood on Monday, May 4.
Testing will be free and by appointment only. Registration is available online. It will be prioritized for essential workers and people experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Multilingual staff members will be available to assist with appointment booking and testing.
The new site was made possible by a partnership between OptumServe, a private company, 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, Public Health Officer for Marin County. “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.”
In determining a new test site, consideration was given to underserved populations, to address known disparities, so residents have access to testing regardless of socioeconomic status. The County is working alongside community-based organizations to ensure residents are aware of the new testing option 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,” said Omar Carrera, Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit Canal Alliance. “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 San Rafael testing site adds to testing options available through most medical providers, the county-run drive through testing site, two mobile testing units, and a new site established this week in Marin City.
Learn more about the local COVID-19 response on the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services website.