Marin County Urges All Workers To Get Coronavirus Test

MARIN COUNTY — Marin County Public Health officials are urging all employees working during the COVID-19 pandemic to get tested for the new coronavirus, especially those who have frequent contact with the public.

In a release, the county's public health department said it has almost tripled its testing capacity in the last three weeks. As a result of increased testing and contact tracing, the county has identified spikes of COVID-19 among workers in public service jobs like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and other businesses.

The county offers free testing by appointment at two locations in San Rafael. The Civic Center offers weekday appointments that can be scheduled online. The Canal area offers appointments Tuesday through Saturday. They can be scheduled online or by phone at 888-634-1123.

Marin County Public Health Officer, Dr. Matt Willis, said robust testing helps more quickly identify and isolate cases of COVID-19, steps necessary to allow the region to return to normal.

“The sooner we are able to quickly identify cases, the more we can prevent them infecting others,” Willis said. “By helping with this effort, our local businesses have been able to better financially protect themselves from costly localized outbreaks and are demonstrating that they are good community partners and places where Marin residents feel safe shopping.”

Testing is confidential, and health insurance and doctor's referrals are not required. The county also provides Spanish translation at its testing sites.

For those who test positive, a public health nurse will provide instructions on self-care and when to see a doctor if conditions worsen. Nurses will also conduct contact tracing to identify anyone who has been exposed to the virus, the county said.

Someone with high-level exposure of the virus could be asked to quarantine to stop the spread of the virus.

Public Health said it takes at least 10 days of isolation and 72 hours without symptoms for a sick person to be considered recovered from COVID-19.