Everyone’s talking about COVID tests. Except Stanislaus leaders, apparently

When COVID-19 vaccines became available a year ago, Stanislaus County sprung into action.

Knowing that the surest way to save lives was (and still remains) getting as many shots in as many arms as possible, Stanislaus ignored rigid protocols adopted elsewhere and didn’t even require sign-ups for vaccine appointments. People anxious for protection against the deadly disease showed up in such numbers that TV crews rushed here to capture long lines and to interview those waiting, many in upbeat anticipation.

This editorial board praised the county for rising to the moment, for providing exactly what the people — at that time, 65 and older — needed most.

What a contrast to Tuesday’s COVID report before the Stanislaus Board of Supervisors, where officials seemed resigned. Where public health officials said focus should shift from them to doctors’ offices. Where the county chief executive officer groused about media coverage while admitting he was straying into “editorial opinion.” Where supervisors pined for normalcy. Where the 2022 board chairman, Terry Withrow, could not be bothered to wear a mask despite the ongoing state mandate for face coverings in public.

People hoping for information on the most pressing by far of today’s COVID needs — testing — went away with little. Public health officials acknowledged they’re getting gobs of calls from schools and businesses desperate for more home tests, then essentially shrugged their shoulders and said they don’t know when they’ll get more to distribute to their people.

Why is testing so important right now?

The omicron variant — many times more contagious than its predecessors — is rippling through our country and our county, sickening people at alarming rates. People are making vital decisions on whether it’s safe to go to work, or return to school, or to be with elderly parents and grandparents. They are well aware that tests are the crucial component to those decisions, and testing demand is through the roof.

Our neighbors to the north in San Joaquin County recognize this. As Stanislaus’ board meeting was getting underway, San Joaquin officials were issuing a press release announcing more testing locations and expanded open hours.

“We’ve seen such a huge demand,” explained Tiffany Heyer, San Joaquin emergency services spokeswoman. “People really want to get tested so they can take precautions to protect themselves and those around them, and it allows us to track the spread as well.”

Increase Stanislaus COVID tests

Stanislaus leaders should take that example. They must recognize that testing is today’s magic word and do everything in their power to provide more of the COVID tests that our people want and need.

Recalling Stanislaus’ day in the sun — slicing through bureaucratic red tape when vaccines were the newest thing — as Stanislaus CEO Jody Hayes did yet again Tuesday, isn’t cutting it. Patting ourselves on the back for year-old action and resting on our laurels is not enough, not with COVID continuing to disrupt all of our lives.

Hayes pondered the fact that COVID patients in Stanislaus hospitals’ intensive care units actually dropped in a recent period despite cases piling sky high in unprecedented numbers — 900 new cases in one day. The ICU drop is consistent with the latest scientific reports that omicron, despite spreading faster than previous strains, is not as deadly.

But the fact remains that 1,500 Stanislaus lives have been lost to the coronavirus, and that number will grow. And those who are vulnerable because of compromised health can’t risk any exposure at all.

Stanislaus leaders must do more to help stem the spread with more attention on testing, allowing people to make informed decisions about their everyday lives.