Delta College is now offering COVID-19 testing to anyone from the general public, made possible through a partnership with San Joaquin County Public Health and HRSupport.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Delta College and HRSupport states the term of the agreement began on Feb. 8 and will continue through Aug. 8.
Testing, which began on Feb. 16, will be available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The tests will be conducted in the Shima 1 and Shima 2 parking lots.
Drive-thru testing is in Shima 2. Walk-up testing is in Shima 1. Both sites are near the main parking lot entrance.
The service is free for those who bring a valid form of identification.
Results can be expected in less than five business days.
“Personally, I think it’s awesome,” student Michelle Quinones said. “Testing is a vital part in keeping this virus from spreading so quickly. I am all for as many testing sites as possible, including at Delta College.”
According to SJReady.org, there are fixed testing sites in Stockton at Chavez High School, Edison High School, Franklin High School, Stagg High School, Hong Kingston Elementary School, Eastland Plaza, Old Courthouse Plaza, SJC Human Services Agency and San Joaquin General Clinics.
Other locations pop up throughout the area as well.
As of Feb. 12, there are 164 patients who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 and ICUs are at 106 percent capacity in San Joaquin County, based on data provided by the City of Stockton.
In addition to providing free COVID-19 testing, Delta College is in talks with San Joaquin County to become a vaccination site.
The MOU with HRSupport said the two Shima lots and the adjacent Athletics parking lot could be used for COVID-19 vaccinations Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There is no expected date for public vaccinations yet.
“Once a vaccine is readily available, we intend to also offer vaccinations to employees and members of the public who qualify under current public health tiers,” Director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach Alex Breitler said in a campus-wide email sent out regarding Delta College’s establishment as a testing site.
Students like Joe Flores are appreciative of the institution’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To me, it’s another example of how Delta shows they care and are constantly thinking of the students,” Flores said.
For more information on testing and vaccination in San Joaquin County, visit SJReady.org. To register for COVID-19 testing on the Delta College campus, visit https://avellinocov2.com/patient/register.
