Community testing abruptly halted in Sonoma

Sonoma Valley Community Health Center announced on July 15 that its test supplier had suspended shipments and that the three-day-a-week drive-through community testing previously available in Sonoma has been canceled, effective immediately.

SVCHC was informed by Quest that shipments might resume in time to re-start testing on July 25. Further information will be available on the health center’s Facebook page.

SVCHC had previously announced that the community testing would end in Sonoma on July 31.

Alternative testing sites are available through OptumServe in Santa Rosa and Petaluma, and through Verily Lab in Napa at the Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa.

To make an appointment with OptumServe go to lhi.care/covidtesting or call 1-888-634-1123, ext. 8.

To make an appointment at Verily in Napa call 253-4540.

Sonoma Valley Hospital continues to offer testing by appointment only as directed by a physician, for emergency care or prior to surgery.

As for antibody testing, anyone considered an “essential” worker -- such as people who work in grocery stores, childcare providers, in-home support caregivers, and construction and utility workers can get a blood test to see if they have the COVID-19 antibody.

First responders – police, fire, and health care workers – as well as those who tested positive for coronavirus at least three weeks ago continue to be offered testing by the County of Sonoma. For people who tested positive, their close contacts who are at risk of exposure to the virus may also be tested.

To make an appointment call 565-4667.

More testing locations and information is available on the County website at socoemergency.org.

Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.