March 29, 2024
Trending: More vaccinations, less testing
SAN BERNARDINO – (INT) – County health officials report a notable decline in testing for the COVID-19 virus while the focus is shifting to vaccinations.

County Public Health Director Corwin Porter says the need for testing “is as great as ever”. “This is especially true because of the emergence of new variants of the coronavirus, including one here in southern California that appears to be responsible for a significant number of new cases,” Corwin said.

Although appearances of the COVID variant have increased, scientists are still unsure whether it is more infectious or leads to more serious health complications than the original virus. Still, Porter said he is emphasizing caution.

Testing also plays an important role in determining the positivity rate. As it falls, the county could eventually be removed from its ‘purple’ widespread virus status. Riverside County's case rate is 28.8 cases per 100,000 people with a positivity rate of 11.0%.

There are there are numerous testing sites located throughout the Inland Empire, so securing an appointment is not difficult. Testing is available to everyone (including those without symptoms), a doctor’s prescription is not required, and testing is free. Results are shared within about 48 hours.
Story Date: February 24, 2021
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