REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
January 13, 2026
FROM
JOSHUA DUGAS, Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT
Title
Non-Financial Participation Agreement with the California Department of Public Health for SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve non-financial Participation Agreement with the California Department of Public Health to conduct SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing of specimens, for a three-year period, effective upon execution by all parties.
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Officer, or Director of the Department of Public Health to execute any subsequent non-substantive amendments to the non-financial Participation Agreement, on behalf of the County, subject to review by County Counsel.
3. Direct the Director of the Department of Public Health to transmit any subsequent non-substantive amendments relating to the non-financial Participation Agreement to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: Joshua Dugas, Director, 387-9146)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Participation Agreement with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is non-financial in nature and, as such, will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The COVID Network of California Laboratories (COVIDNet) is a network of labs, agencies, and municipalities involved in SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing. The network includes CDPH, local health labs including the Department of Public Health (DPH) Laboratory, diagnostic labs, Chan Zucherberg Biohub, Invitae Corporation, University of California, San Francisco and the Scripps Research Institute. This partnership improves identification of SARS-CoV2 variants circulating in California.
Whole genome sequencing enhances the detection, characterization, investigation, transmission, and containment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by identifying circulating variants, monitoring viral evolution, and informing outbreak investigations. COVIDNet uses this data to maintain a comprehensive diagram of the genetic relationships between outbreak variants of SARS-CoV-2 viruses, which supports timely identification of new variants and improved public health response.
As a participant of COVIDNet, DPH laboratories will work cooperatively with CDPH and all COVIDNet participants by serving as a diagnostic testing lab, processing lab, and sequencing lab of COVID 19 specimens of samples. This allows DPH to more effectively trace and track outbreaks pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 100325. The recommended Participation Agreement with CDPH will support DPH Laboratories’ efforts to contain the spread of COVID 19 in San Bernardino County. DPH has had an agreement with CDPH for COVIDNet since 2022.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Adam Ebright, Deputy County Council, 387-4229) on December 23, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Iliana Rodriguez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4205) on December 23, 2025.