Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests Distributed at Pop-up Event
SAN JOSE – Tonight, thousands of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests were given out at a pop-up distribution event at the Mountain View Senior Center. North County residents had access to tests in their neighborhood, at a time convenient for them. Santa Clara County and the City of Mountain View partnered to bring more tests to North County residents.
“Getting COVID-19 tests into the hands of our residents is important if we’re going to prevent the spread of the virus, especially if folks don’t know they’re infected to begin with,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian. “While case counts may be down now, we know the Omicron subvariant is still out there. It’s good to be prepared, now. Making at-home tests easily available at trusted, convenient locations is just one of the ways the County and the City are working to make these tests more accessible.”
The Mountain View Senior Center converted their parking lot into a drive-thru pick-up test location. Each site visitor received two free boxes of tests (each box contains two tests) and four N95 masks. The event, which took place from 6 to 8 p.m., was scheduled so that residents working during the day could stop by and pick up tests after work.
“We’re grateful for the County’s partnership in getting COVID-19 services and supplies to our city, now and throughout the pandemic,” said City of Mountain View Mayor Lucas Ramirez. “This latest event to distribute at-home tests builds upon our efforts to help keep residents safe and healthy by providing testing and vaccines in convenient locations.”
Earlier this year at the urging of Simitian, the Board of Supervisors approved plans to expand access to at-home testing and encouraged the County to build on existing partnerships to distribute even more at-home tests through clinics, hospitals, and community-based organizations. The County has distributed close to 725,000 antigen tests since January 17, 2022.
“This is just the latest in a series of events to keep people healthy. And the folks in Mountain View did a great job getting supplies out locally. Can’t thank them enough,” said Simitian.