Residents of Ripon can now come down to the Ripon Police Department to pick up free COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests courtesy of San Joaquin County Public Health Services.

The tests will be available at the agency – located at 259 N. Wilma Avenue – from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday until all the available test kits have been distributed to the public.

With two tests per box, each household will be limited initially to two boxes (four total tests) to ensure that those that want the tests have access to them. If the demand is less than the available supply, the agency will allow for families that have already received their initial allotment to come down and pick up more – an announcement that will be made through the agency’s social media channels and the through the Nixle app.

The tests are the same as the ones that are being distributed by the Federal government and mailed to households that request them – part of the government’s attempt at helping people determine whether they have COVID-19 so that they can self-isolate and prevent the virus from being spread in the community.

While most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted throughout California, some counties like Alameda have recently announced the imposition of new mask mandates after the number of cases began to spike – presumably from more people gathering indoors. The tests, which provide results in as little as 15 minutes, have become popular among people who come down with symptoms after being out in public, and to create peace of mind after spending time with somebody who may have been positive for the virus.

For more information contact the Ripon Police Department at 209.599.2102

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.