BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County Public Health Department announced Monday that coronavirus results for nine residents are still pending, while 15 others recently tested negative.

So far Kern County has stayed clear of the virus, according to Michelle Corson, the department's spokeswoman.

"There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 here in Kern County," Corson said.

Corson added that Kern County will soon be able to test for local cases of the coronavirus here in town.

Residents will still be required to see their doctors for coronavirus screenings, but those physicians will be able to send patient samples to local Quest Diagnostic Incorporated labs.

The labs will be able to determine whether the sample is positive or negative for the virus.