Demand for COVID Tests Increase As Omicron Surge, Holiday Season Overlap

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — COVID-19 investigating sights are seeing a important summation successful request for tests amid the vacation play and due to the fact that of the dispersed of the Omicron variant.

The parking batch astatine Cal Expo was afloat Wednesday with residents attempting to get tested up of New Year’s Eve.

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“If we get the trial successful clip and everything works out, we tin determination on,” said Thana Paguyo.

Thana waited astatine Cal Expo arsenic Sacramento County hustled to administer tests.

“We acceptable up an assignment for 2 o’clock and we drove retired astatine 4:02, truthful it took astir 2 hours,” said Christopher Paguyo.

On Wednesday, it was the Paguyo family’s 2nd clip trying to get tested.

“We were present the different day,” Thana said. “They said it could beryllium 5 hours, truthful we left.”

Finally they’re back, and this clip they were prepared for the wait.

“We brought snacks. We had chips. We had croissants. There’s worldly [in the car]. We had water,” Thana said.

Sacramento County says betwixt the vacation play and the Omicron variant growing, the request for tests is significant.

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“Our assemblage investigating sights person seen an increase,” said Samantha Mott, a spokesperson for the county.

Cal Expo relies connected 3rd enactment institution Curative to administer PCR tests for COVID-19, but conscionable however galore much tests person been fixed retired this week compared to last?

“Today astatine Cal Expo we’ve administered 1,300 PCR tests,” Curative Manager Shoshana Gould said Wednesday.

Last week, Curative told CBS13 lone astir 300 PCR tests were administered per time – that’s astir a 330% summation successful administered tests.

“It’s been crazy,” Gould said.

Despite the overwhelming demand, some Sacramento County and it’s investigating partners anticipated the surge.

“We decidedly person capable staff,” Gould said.

Despite the highly precocious demand, Sacramento County says they are not seeing a shortage successful tests.

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CBS13 asked if they are considering much strict COVID-19 protocols if cases rise. They archer america they are not having that speech yet.

Laura Haefeli