Distribution of free, at-home COVID-19 tests and N95 masks via drive-thru Wednesday (Feb. 9) at the Los Altos main library created a traffic jam along San Antonio Road, with supplies running out in the first hour. Each vehicle received four tests and four masks, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Los Altos police announced at just after 2 p.m. that the library had run out of the COVID tests. Plans for distribution were from 1-5 p.m. The line of cars waiting to get into the library created traffic congestion along San Antonio Road, prompting police to do traffic control.
All distribution sites are designed for vehicles, but people walking or bicycling also was able to pick up four rapid antigen tests (two boxes) per household.
In a press conference, Simitian emphasized the importance of accessible testing in mitigating the spread of COVID.
“Simply put, we can’t fight the virus if we can’t see it,” he said. “And we can’t see it if we don’t test.”
Simitian noted the role libraries play in providing their communities with resources. Nearly everyone knows where their city’s library is located, he said, which makes libraries a powerful tool in ensuring safe access to public health resources.
Dr. Ahmad Kamal, who served as the county’s director of health care preparedness during the pandemic, pointed out that while cases are rapidly dropping from the peak of the omicron surge at the beginning of the year, the county still reports approximately 2,000 positive cases per day, meaning testing is still in high demand.
Simitian added that the “innovative” partnership between the county and its libraries is a pilot effort, and to expect more from the county going forward.
“My hope and expectation is that the success of this pilot will lead to expanded distribution efforts at county libraries and eventually for municipal libraries as well,” he said.
For test distribution schedules and locations, visit sccld.org/informed.
