As covid cases rise throughout the country testing continues. Recently Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, tweeted that halfway through December the state will take in 327,000 doses of Covid 19 vaccine from Pfizer. As the United States prepares for cases to rise after the Thanksgiving weekend, the CDC recommends getting tested if showing symptoms of Covid 19.

 Sonoma County is still in the purple tier, but the county has recently announced free Covid 19 testing. No additional requirements such as ID, social security number, or medical insurance are required. The free testing is confidential and the testing will take less than 15 minutes.

Residents from the Sonoma Valley area have continued being tested after Thanksgiving week. “The people were really nice and there was not a long line,” said senior Sofia Robledo, after getting tested. She also included that “it was a quick and easy process.” 

Included in the drive-through is information regarding how to keep your family safe during the lockdown. “They were clear with instructions. The area inside was organized well to stay six feet away,” said Sofia Robledo, senior.

Testing will take place on Highway 12 and East Thomson Ave. in Boyes Hot Springs. The testing will be open every Monday from 9 AM-11 AM. The service is open to everyone regardless of legal status.

The county recommends that those who are going back to work get tested as well as those who show symptoms. Even if no symptoms are apparent but one’s been in a gathering, it is better to be tested to protect loved ones. 

This new service is available until further notice. Since it has opened, various citizens have come forth with their appreciation. “My parents were happy to know testing would finally be accessible to our community and my little siblings won’t have to go far for a test” concluded senior Brissa Gonzalez. 

To make an appointment the hotline number is (707) 565-4667 which is in English and Spanish. The hotline will be open Monday through Friday from 8 AM-8 PM.