Bolinas offers test to every resident for coronavirus, one of the first in the world to do so

Bolinas is the first community in the Bay Area to test every resident for the coronavirus. Bolinas is the first community in the Bay Area to test every resident for the coronavirus. Photo: Sam Diephuis/Getty Images Photo: Sam Diephuis/Getty Images Image 1 of / 49 Caption Close Bolinas offers test to every resident for coronavirus, one of the first in the world to do so 1 / 49 Back to Gallery

The small Marin community of Bolinas is about to become one of the only towns in the world to attempt to test every resident for COVID-19.

Bolinas, population 1,600, will begin offering free tests on Monday for residents ages four and up, as well as West Marin first responders. The drive-through tests have two components. The first is a mouth and throat swab that can detect active coronavirus infections; the second is a blood test, taken via a finger prick, to look for antibodies. Neither test is mandatory, and participants can choose to do just one, if they prefer.

The testing is being conducted by UCSF staffers at Mesa Park from April 20-23. You must schedule an appointment to be eligible. Individuals who test positive will receive calls from UCSF.

"This is an incredible opportunity for us to protect our elderly, first responders, and town-sustaining workers, while contributing to research that will benefit every Bolinas community member and the entire Bay Area," the program's website reads.

According to the Point Reyes Light, the project cost $400,000 and was funded by donations. Two Bolinas residents, venture capitalist Jyri Engestrom and Cyrus Harmon, an executive at a pharmaceutical company, initially partnered to get the program off the ground.

Few communities globally have attempted to test all of its residents for the coronavirus, and the project is as much for research as it is for practical value to locals. In the Italian town of Vo', located in the hardest-hit north of the country, its 3,000-person population was tested — a move that some experts believe helped end the outbreak there.

Further antibody testing may also provide insights into why some people are sickened by the virus and others aren't.

For more information on signing up for testing, Bolinas residents and West Marin first responders can check this landing page. If the program receives more donations, it may do a second round of testing in two weeks.

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