Starting on January 11, UC San Diego (UCSD) Health began vaccinating health care workers at Petco Park to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and soon after introduced COVID-19 testing vending matchings on their campuses for students and their families. 

   According to a UCSD Health employee, as of February 1, there are 11 COVID-19 testing matchings on campus, along with thirteen more coming. Each machine has 600 test units and the test units are refilled and collected twice a day. 

   According to the UCSD website, “Students and campus employees may now pick up a self-administered COVID-19 test kit at one of the numerous vending machines across campus. Samples should be returned within 72 hours from the time the kit is picked up at a dropbox next to a vending machine” (ucsd.edu).

   “UC San Diego Health offers drive-up COVID tests by appointment for the public, including family members of employees and students who do not live on campus. Test fees are 65 dollars, and results are delivered typically within 48 hours. This test is ideal for asymptomatic individuals of all ages. Those who are having symptoms or believe they may have been exposed should contact their primary care provider,” according to UCSD (ucsd.edu). 

  Padres News informs, “The site, located in Petco Park’s tailgate parking lot, runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. [Pacific Standard Time] daily and is currently open to healthcare workers who are eligible to receive the vaccine” (mlb.com)

   “In my opinion, I am glad to see UCSD take the lead on testing and vaccinations. UCSD is well-known as a leading research university and I believe there are many dedicated professionals who are working in the best interest of us all,” said Music Teacher Brandon Corenman. He continued, “I am willing to go wherever they will provide the necessary treatment. If a Petco Park vaccine site is that place, I’m there.”

    The Country News Center website says, “The operation is the result of a partnership between the County, UC San Diego Health, the San Diego Padres, and the City of San Diego to help vaccinate thousands of the 500,000 people in Phase 1A [and now Phase 1B, 65 and over] of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution” (countynewscenter.com).