Stanislaus has new way to test for coronavirus. Sign ups have started
Health officials are setting up free coronavirus testing for people who qualify via online screening.
The program will launch Saturday, April 18, at noon, for Stanislaus County residents 18 or older. They must describe their symptoms in advance online at www.projectbaseline.com.
A medical professional will then validate the information, and if the patient qualifies for a test, they will have the opportunity to sign up for an appointment.
The patient will then receive an appointment day and time — usually within a day or two — and go to the testing site at the Salida Library with their confirmation notice. Testing will begin on Monday at noon.
The effort initially involves people thought to be at high risk for COVID-19. It could expand later to a larger population.
The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency launched the program with Project Baseline by Verily, a national partnership of health care providers and other allies.
“We have wanted to offer more COVID-19 testing opportunities to people at risk for severe disease within Stanislaus County, but limited testing supplies made this a challenge,” said Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, public health officer for the county, in a news release.
People who qualify for testing must drive themselves to the library, 4835 Sisk Road. They must have the confirmation notice.
This and other branches of the Stanislaus County Library are closed to the public during the pandemic. Patrons can still place holds on books by phone or online and pick them up outside the branches during certain hours.
This story was originally published April 18, 2020 at 7:37 AM.
