Is it time for everyone to get a COVID-19 test in the East Bay?
Numbers don't lie. That's why the East Bay Leadership Council has urged a cautious and data-driven reopening since day one.
Advancing through the state's new color-coded plan hinges on a decrease in positive tests and new cases — two metrics dependent on testing data.
So, should everyone get tested to ensure the most complete and accurate data? Maybe not yet.
Messages from East Bay county officials on who can and should get tested are mixed.
Alameda County continues to preserve tests for first responders and healthcare workers amid a recent spike in COVID-19 deaths. This in contrast to neighboring Contra Costa County where members of the Board of Supervisors have recommended regular testing for people without symptoms and launched a communications toolkit to spread the word.
"Anyone who lives or works in [Contra Costa County] can get a test at one of the 12 county- or state-run testing sites for free; it is recommended that most people consider a test every 30 days, whether or not they feel sick.
Getting a COVID-19 test is a healthy choice, even for people with no symptoms. Some people with the virus do not get severe symptoms and can pass it to others without realizing it."
- Email update from Supervisor Candace Andersen, September 11
Governor Newsom announced a deal with PerkinElmer to expand testing in California in August, but that extra capacity has not yet arrived.
The approaching flu season has added to the urgency for fast and reliable testing. Local healthcare providers have already flagged the importance of increased testing to quickly distinguish between a case of the flu and COVID-19. A challenging task given the similar symptoms and lingering testing delays.
With both Alameda and Contra Costa County sitting in the most restrictive tier, showing progress through widespread testing and accurate data is central to any hopes of restarting in-person schools and workplaces before the end of the year.
We are hopeful that the East Bay will make progress in the fight against COVID-19 in the months ahead, but the truth will be in the numbers.
Widespread testing cannot come soon enough.
Nomination deadline extended
There is still time to submit a nomination for the 10th Annual Philanthropy Awards presented by Wells Fargo. Need some nomination inspiration?
Here’s a few examples —
Community volunteers who inspire you with their compassion and commitment
Youth who are connected to their community and give you hope for the future
Nonprofits that showcase creativity and resilience in response to unprecedented challenges
Donors and foundations that extend lifelines to people in need and keep critical programs and services afloat
Employers that foster a culture of giving and take action for racial justice
Final Nomination Deadline
Monday, September 21 at 8:00 PM
Thank you to our Philanthropy Awards sponsors for making this inspiring and important event possible
Access task force meetings on demand
Did you miss this week's Water & Environment Task Force on how a chemical designed to make everything from pans to manufacturing equipment non-stick (PFAS) is impacting water quality? It's a must watch for anyone interested in water quality and manufacturing.
This month also featured the Opportunity Task Force which brought together leaders from healthcare, education, and economic development for a conversation on potential initiatives in the year ahead and updates on the end of the California legislative session.
You can watch both meetings in the EBLC Member Center.
Must read // 30 inspiring Latinas and Latinos who have shaped history
In celebration of Latinx culture and Hispanic Heritage Month we wanted to share Smithsonian Latino Center's collection based on the book Nuéstra America.
These bilingual educational resources highlight the inspiring stories of Latinas and Latinos who have shaped history.
