Testing continues to be a crucial focal point for the Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force as Kern County falls back to the state’s Tier 1 (Purple) level of restrictions.

“This is a critical time for our County,” said Jay Tamsi, co-founder of the Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force. “We need to ensure that our community stays safe and we work towards restoring our economy especially through this pandemic. Through testing and tracing we are able to slow the transmission rate having people self-isolate properly to slow the spread of the virus locally.

Tamsi added that the county and businesses are required to follow state guidelines under Tier 1. Among the key weekly benchmarks are increased testing results.

This week’s testing sites are as follows:

When: Friday, November 20 (noon to 3 p.m.)

Where: Taft Union High School, Softball/Track Field Parking Lot (Corner of 10th and San Emidio).

*Dignity Health will provide a limited number of Flu Shots.

When: Saturday, November 21 at 11 a.m.

Where: McFarland Community Center, 103 W. Sherwood Ave., McFarland, CA 93250.

*Free face masks will be given to individuals, courtesy of Adventist Health and Jim Burke Ford.

When: Sunday, November 22 at 10 a.m.

Where: 915 Paso Dr. (Fiesta Market), Wasco, CA 93280.

*Free face masks will be given to individuals, courtesy of Adventist Health.

Walk-ins are welcomed and encouraged as there is no pre-registration requirements. The collaboration asks people to please wear a mask and social distance while on site.