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Pilot program brings free COVID-19 testing to Franklin Elementary School in Santa Barbara

Free COVID19 testing offered at Eastside's Franklin Elementary during pilot program
COVID19 testing
Oliver Forster /KEYT

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - When Franklin Elementary leaders reached out to Santa Barbara County Public Health about using its campus as a COVID-19 testing site, health leaders liked the idea.

SBC Public Health set up a walk-in COVID-19 test center at the location on 1111 E. Mason St. on Wednesday for one day only.

More than 125 people on Santa Barbara's Eastside walked into the school without an appointment and got tested after work and school.

Health workers want people to know their privacy is protected.

Most of the test results will be sent out via text within 48 hours.

People in line were being asked to wear masks and stay physically distanced as they waited to go inside.

Emergency Medical Services Systems Coordinator Matt Higgs said testing impacts the county's adjusted case rate.

That number is the average positive daily COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents.

The state looks at the metrics to determine whether a county can enter a less-restrictive tier allowing more businesses and schools to reopen.

Counties that test more than the state average are likely to benefit by moving from the 'Purple' to 'Red' tier sooner.

Since people can have COVID-19 without showing symptoms it is important to be tested. Doctors call them asymptomatic.

Higgs said they want all communities to have access to free testing.

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Article Topic Follows: Coronavirus

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Tracy Lehr

Tracy Lehr is a reporter and the weekend anchor for News Channel 3-12. To learn more about Tracy, click here

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