Testing Locations Week of April 27 and May 4, 2020
Monday through Friday – Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
400 N. Pepper Ave., Colton
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, call 1-855-422-8029
Monday through Friday – SAC Health Systems (IEHP Members only)
250 South G Street, San Bernardino
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, call (909) 771-2911
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – MCH Rural Health Clinic
29099 Hospital Road, Lake Arrowhead
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointment ONLY, call (909) 336-9715
Friday, May 1 – Hesperia Civic Plaza Park
15833 Smoke Tree St., Hesperia
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at
http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/
Monday, May 4 – Toyota Arena
4000 Ontario Center, Ontario
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at
http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/
Tuesday, May 5 – Needles Administration Building
1111 Bailey Ave., Needles
9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon Appointment ONLY, at
http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/
Wednesday, May 6 – Barstow Sports Park
2800 Mayor Katy Pkwy., Barstow
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at
http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/
County Public Health is also conducting testing at select nursing facilities for at-risk seniors living at those facilities.
County Opens Up Criteria for Testing TODAY
Beginning today, at all testing locations, people age 65 and older as well as healthcare or public safety workers can get tested even if they are not experiencing any symptoms. This is in addition to residents who are experiencing at least one COVID-19 symptom (fever, cough, or shortness of breath).
New Webpage Coordinates Food Distribution Efforts
A webpage with information on when, where and how residents can obtain food to feed themselves and their families is now featured prominently on the County’s COVID-19 website, sbcovid19.com. The County established a Food Assistance Strike Force to address the skyrocketing demand for food assistance, and to coordinate the efforts of the charitable food providers in the County that are providing food at no cost to residents in need.
 County Expands Testing Capacity, Adds Serology Testing
San Bernardino County continues to ramp up testing for the coronavirus. These tests are officially referred to as a test for the ‘polymerase chain reaction’ (or PCR tests), and they show whether an individual is currently infected with the virus.
“The expansion of our testing regime is an important milestone in our efforts to battle this pandemic and get our County back to normal,” said Trudy Raymundo, Director of the County Department of Public Health. “However, it’s important to point out that increased testing will almost surely lead to a notable increase in those testing positive. This has less to do with an increase in the incidence of the virus and more a reflection of greater detection.”
In addition, the County is now performing serology testing at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC). Serology testing is used to detect the presence of antibodies in a person’s blood serum (or other tissues), which is evidence that the individual might have been previously infected with a coronavirus, not necessarily COVID-19.
Serology tests are not effective for determining if someone is currently infected with the coronavirus, but they can help epidemiologists and other medical professionals better assess the extent of how the coronavirus is spreading among different populations. It is important data for the County, the nation and the world in our collective fight against the pandemic.
It is also very important for the public to understand that testing positive for the virus antibody does not mean you have immunity to COVID-19.
All testing remains focused on those individuals most at risk of the disease: those showing symptoms, are over age 65, have pre-existing conditions that intensify risk, and public safety workers. Selected individuals being given the PCR test will be asked if they would also agree to a serology test, which involves taking a blood sample via a simple finger prick. Serology tests are only available in conjunction with PCR tests, so appointments cannot be made for serology testing.
At this time, serology testing is only being conducted at ARMC, but it is expected be rolled out to Public Heath testing locations as soon as next week. Those who are given the PCR and serology tests are notified with their results usually within a few days.
 Cal Fresh Cleared for Limited Online Food Delivery
Thanks to waivers of federal regulations, San Bernardino County households that are on the CalFresh program can now purchase groceries online using their EBT card at Amazon and Walmart. If you receive CalWORKs, you may also be able to use your cash benefits to make purchases online at WalMart. The state is actively working to expand the number of stores that accept EBT online in the future.
CalFresh provides monthly food benefits that help individuals and families buy healthy, nutritious food. County residents who have experienced a change in their circumstances and need additional, temporary help may apply for CalFresh at www.c4yourself.com or by calling the County’s Transitional Assistance Program at (909) 388-0245.
 Hero Highlight: Leticia Gutierrez, Nurse, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
We are so grateful for frontline professionals like Nurse Leticia Gomez, who took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to chat with our Diana Alexander. https://youtu.be/UoIpzHwI--I
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