Kern County participating in covid-19 study

Area residents will be among those surveyed about vaccine protection and antibodies.

Kern County Public Health Services is collaborating with several different organizations where people were randomly selected to complete an anonymous survey as well as receive a free, at-home covid-19 antibody test.

Those selected for the survey and free antibody test began receiving their packets Oct. 15.

This information will allow Kern County Public Health to learn how many who have been immunized are protected against the virus and have built up antibodies.

The department is working with the California Department of Public Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Enable Biosciences, Exa Health and other public entities in different counties, which include Alameda, El Dorado, Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Diego and Shasta.

The study will not ask for identifying information, such as name or date of birth. Mailed invitations were sent to 200,000 households in select counties. For more information about CalScope, visit the study website at CalScope.org.

Even though the county has offered free vaccination clinics, the numbers continue rising for the newly infected.

On Oct. 14, Wasco had a total of 6,210 total infected people since the pandemic began March 2020 and saw an increase of 112 newly infected persons on Tuesday, Oct. 19.

On Oct. 14, Shafter had a total of 4,332 total infected people since the beginning of the pandemic; however, those numbers continue to rise for a total infected since the pandemic began of 4,458, an increase of 126 newly infected people in Shafter.

Check with the City of Wasco by calling 661-758-7215 to see where free vaccination clinics are being held nearby.