Mayor announces testing and vaccine site

Mayor Alex Garcia officially opened the dual covid-19 testing and vaccination site at the Veteran's Hall at Barker Park.

Newly selected Director of Kern County Public Health Brynn Carrigan announced that the county and the state designated Wasco as one of three sites to offer both services. The other sites are located in Arvin and McFarland.

Carrigan stated that the facility will be able to provide 420 vaccine doses a day, five days a week through MyTurn.gov.

"Currently, those 65 years of age or older and educators are eligible to receive the vaccination," Carrigan said. "We are thankful to be able to partner with the community and the City of Wasco at the community center."

The facility hopes to vaccinate children before the reopening of school, which could mean 320,000 vaccinations. Carrigan reminded everyone to sign up and register online for their vaccination at MyTurn.gov. The facility is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"If you care about yourself, come get vaccinated." Assemblyman Rudy Salas said. "Everyone wants to make sure their families are safe. The site was opened up in order to get to the hard-to-reach rural communities such as Arvin, Wasco and McFarland."

"Optum Serves is the contract staffing company," Carrigan added.

The press conference was attended by Carrigan, Salas, Wasco Recreation and Parks District Board President Sharon Sharp and Vice President Kayla Castillo.