Off to the COVID test

12/20/2020 English German

Edition # 136
San Francisco, 12-20-2020

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Off to the COVID test

Figure [1]: Entrance to the COVID test site.

Angelika As I mentioned at the beginning, one of the requirements at our school is that staff must regularly undergo COVID testing, even if they have no symptoms. However, in early September, it was not easy to get a test without symptoms. San Francisco had test centers that offered tests for people who needed them for work, but only if their workplace was in San Francisco. This made me grind my teeth a bit because, even though my workplace isn't in San Francisco, I am still a resident of this city and pay my taxes here. But anyway.

At other test sites, you could only get a test after a prior video conference, which was also somewhat cumbersome. Then, our administration informed us about the so-called "Project Baseline." They have test centers all over the Bay Area, work with local and state authorities, and the test is available to people without symptoms and is free. However, behind Project Baseline is the company Verily, which is a subsidiary of Alphabet, the parent company of Google.

How does the whole process work? I went to the Project-Baseline-Covid-Website, clicked on the "Get Started" button, and had to sign in with my email. Then, I had to electronically sign several forms confirming that I am 18 years old and agreeing, for example, that it is okay for the COVID sample to be sent to a lab and for the data to be shared with the lab for this purpose. Next, I filled out an online questionnaire about COVID, including questions about my age, symptoms, pre-existing conditions, increased risk due to my job, and so on. Finally, I could schedule an appointment.

I was offered available appointments at test sites in the nearby area. I chose an appointment at a test center in San Mateo, which is conveniently located almost directly across from our school on a fairground. I also had to provide my insurance numbers when scheduling the appointment, as in California, insurance is billed for the test. If you don't have insurance, the test is free. I've taken the test a few times now, and sometimes all the appointments are booked. However, new slots are usually made available each day. I then received a confirmation email with an identification number that everyone needs to bring to their appointment.

Then I drove to the test center in San Mateo. First, I joined the line of cars. Everyone was wearing masks, and the car windows remained firmly closed. An attendant held up a sign asking if I had an appointment with Project Baseline (no appointment, no test). I responded with a thumbs up to indicate yes. The attendant directed me to my lane, as there were also testing options from other providers on the site. Progressing at a snail's pace, I eventually reached another attendant who checked my identification number from the email through the closed window and my driver's license to ensure I was the correct person.

After verifying my identity, an attendant placed a plastic bag with the test tubes under my windshield wiper. The actual test took place in an exhibition hall, which I drove into. There, the tester approached and asked for my name and date of birth again, through the still-closed window. Then, I had to open my car window slightly. The tester handed me a long cotton swab. I closed my window, pulled my mask down from my nose, so my mouth was still covered, and then inserted the cotton swab deep into one nostril, rotating it ten times, and repeated the process in the other nostril. After that, I pulled my mask back over my nose, opened the window a small crack again, and placed the long cotton swab into the test tube that was held out to me. Then, I drove away. After 1-2 days, I received the results via email.

Figure [2]: Poster with COVID-19 testing sites in San Francisco.

Once you're in the Project Baseline system, for subsequent tests you only need to provide your insurance number to get an appointment, and you can skip the questionnaire. Nowadays, it's generally a bit easier to get a test even if you don't have symptoms, including for children, although Project Baseline starts at 13 years old, while the competitor Curative offers tests from 5 years old. I would have liked to take some photos during the testing process, but that was strictly prohibited.