Jan 21, 2022
In partnership with San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), Chinese Hospital will distribute at-home COVID-19 test kits to the community, with priority given to the underserved and at-risk populations.
“As the Omicron variant continues to drive up cases, testing is one of the ways we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Dr. Jian Zhang, Chinese Hospital CEO. “Some of the vulnerable populations here, such as seniors with mobility issues, uninsured community members, SRO residents with certain medical conditions, and new immigrants with limited English proficiency, may have a difficult time accessing COVID-19 tests, so we are prioritizing getting these test kits to these populations.”
San Francisco District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin helped demonstrate an at-home COVID-19 test at the event today.
The transmissive nature of the Omicron variant continues to be a major concern for SRO families and seniors, and they deserve culturally-competent services from trusted community partners to help keep them stay safe and healthy,” said Supervisor Peskin. “I thank Chinese Hospital for partnering with the City to distribute test kits quickly to Chinatown’s most vulnerable residents and show them how to administer the tests effectively on themselves.”
“We want to thank SFDPH for providing these hard to find at-home test kits, so we can intensify our efforts to help the people most impacted by this crisis and keep our community safe,” said Kitman Chan, Chinese Hospital Board Chairman.
Dr. Jian added, “There is a shortage of at-home test kits. We want to make sure those at risk are receiving what they need to stay safe and healthy, and perform the test correctly when they receive it.”
The Flowflex COVID-19 antigen home tests are 93% accurate in detecting positive cases and 100% accurate in detecting negative cases if the nasal swab specimen is collected properly. It could be used if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed or potentially exposed to an individual with COVID-19, and before gathering with others who are at high risk for infection. Carefully read the instructions before performing the test.
If your test result is positive, you should stay home, follow the current isolation and quarantine guidelines. Also, contact your primary care provider (PCP) and tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. If you don’t have a PCP, you can call Chinese Hospital COVID-19 hotline: 1-628-228-2828 to arrange linkage of care. Even if your test result is negative, please continue to wear a mask, maintain distance from others and take other precautions. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about the test or your results.
The at-home test kits will be provided at Support Health Services, located on Floor B1 at Chinese Hospital.
While supplies of the test kit are limited, the staff there will screen and provide at-home test kits to the people who meet the criteria. Support Health Services also provides other COVID-19 related services, including COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Vaccination is still the best way to protect you and others from Omicron and prevent severe illness and death. Please get vaccinated if you haven’t yet.
Chinese Hospital will continue to work closely with the city and state to ensure the at-home test kits reach people in need. When more test kits become available, it will be announced on our website (www.chinesehospital-sf.org/covid19-testing-services).
