With more than a million new COVID-19 cases a day nationally and the omicron variant spreading like wildfire after the holidays, the demand for COVID testing kits has skyrocketed.
Not surprisingly, the tests are also getting increasingly harder to find. Both CVS and Walgreens are now limiting how many at-home tests they sell to customers too.
The lack of availability of testing kits this week prompted the Contra Costa County Supervisors board to take action.
In East Contra Costa County, Supervisor Diane Burgis’ office, working with the city of Oakley, will distribute free at-home test kits on Thursday to those who have struggled to find them. The test kits will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis at a drive-through event at the Oakley Recreation Center on 1250 O’Hara Ave., from 1 to 4 p.m. or while supplies last.
Because of high demand, the county office is limiting the test kits to two per family (each kit contains two tests).
Burgis’ office has distributed thousands of COVID tests so far, delivering to local businesses, restaurants,and churches in District 3, and is hoping the supply from the county’s health services can keep up with the demand, a spokeperson said.
Source: www.mercurynews.com