Pastor Samuel Casey, Executive Director of C.O.P.E., Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman, and Bishop Kelvin Simmons, President of IECAAC (wp.sbcounty.gov).

Zanesha Williams | IE Voice

San Bernardino County has set in motion an opportunity for non-profits throughout its jurisdiction to receive COVID-19 test kits to be distributed to their members.

As stated in the San Bernardino County Wire, non-profit organizations can request an allocation of COVID-19 test kits by submitting a request form. Test kits became available beginning Monday December 20. 

In the past weeks more headlines are cautioning Californians of COVID-19 spikes in their areas with special attention on the newest variant, Omicron. 

David Wert, San Bernardino County’s Public Information Officer, states, “The County has an agreement to purchase and receive a large number of do-it-yourself kits, primarily because this is a more efficient and less expensive way to meet the demand for testing…”

Throughout the country, demands for testing in the face of the new Omicron variant are increasing (source: m.facebook.com)

Throughout the country, demands for testing in the face of the new Omicron variant are increasing. On Tuesday, December 21, President Joe Biden announced the purchase of half a billion at-home test kits with more information and a website soon to come.

White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, added, “To be clear, we’re not sending a test to every single home in the country…We are providing an opportunity, another opportunity or ability for people to go on a website and request a test if their preference is to get that test to their home.”

In San Bernardino County the process of at home testing via community leaders has commenced. Wert added, “The delivery last week to COPE was the first of these allocations. The County has put the word out that partners can apply for allocation through this portal.” COPE, Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement, is a county non-profit partner.

At this time, San Bernardino County officials have received 61 requests for test and mask allocations which are expected to be delivered within 72 hours.

As you prepare to gather and close out the holiday season, find out where you and your family can be tested. Check your local community organizations and pharmacies to get your at-home test kit.

Zanesha Williams is a freelance journalist who reports for the IE Voice and Black Voice News. Raised in Upland, California, Zanesha started her writing journey at Mt. San Antonio College where she served as a reporter for SACMedia. She went on to further her studies at San Francisco State University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Digital and Print Journalism with a minor in Africana Studies.