Desert Healthcare District allocates $350K to buy over 10,000 rapid coronavirus tests

The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board of Directors approved an allocation of $350,000 to expand rapid coronavirus testing in the east valley.

District leaders said unlike current tests that take 2 to 5 days to produce results, these new tests only take 15 minutes.

The funding will provide about 10,600 rapid tests, aimed at identifying cases in the vulnerable populations of the east valley.

"We know that farm workers are getting infected in the Coachella Valley," said CEO of the district Conrado Bárzaga. "We need to do something about it... We're talking about farm workers that are essential workers, that are keeping food on our table. We need to make sure we are responsive to their needs and that we're doing everything we can."

Multiple employees at a date facility in Coachella have already tested positive.

Bárzaga said three weeks ago, the price of a test was just $4. It's now jumped to $33 as demand skyrockets and inventory lags.

District leaders said it can be difficult for east valley workers to get a test at existing sites.

"If they miss one day of work, that means they don't get paid that day," Bárzaga said. "They don't have the flexibility to go to a clinic that is open between 9 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon."

Testing is a critical tool in preventing the spread.

"This is a very significant strategy to keep people away from the hospital, to bring in the healthcare to where they are where the healthcare is needed.," Bárzaga said.

Bringing testing to the east valley helps keep hospital capacity freed up for more severe cases.

Once the tests are purchased, they'll be distributed by federally qualified health centers around the valley.

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