MONTEREY COUNTY — California Department of Public Health and Stanford University are working on a study called CalScope, which aims to measure antibodies in the populace and determine which activities are connected to different antibody levels in the fight against Covid-19.
They will survey random residents in selected counties in three waves to learn about antibody prevalence in different demographics, including age, race, ethnicity and region.
Monterey County is included in the study, along with Alameda, El Dorado, Kern, Los Angeles, San Diego and Shasta counties.
“They want to understand better whether or not there’s certain activities that people engage in or have engaged in, which is somehow associated with whether or not people in California have antibodies to Covid-19,” said Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno.
A total of 15,000 invitations have already gone out to some Monterey County residents, with first mailings having taken place on April 20. Moreno encouraged recipients to participate.
Up to one adult and one child per household can complete a survey and can request a blood collection kit, in which they prick their finger to submit a sample of blood and send it back.
“Anyone who’s participating and sends one in can expect to have their antibody test results sent to them within three to four weeks and also receive a $20 stipend for each survey and kit that’s returned,” Moreno said.
With $20 per test and per kit, it means each household who has an adult and child participate could earn an $80 stipend.
