SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state has signed a contract worth up to $1.4 billion with a company that will more than double the state's daily coronavirus testing capacity.
Right now, California averages about 100,000 tests per day, with the state paying $100 per test and results taking between five and seven business days. Newsom said the state’s new contract with Massachusetts-based PerkinElmer will increase the state’s testing capacity to 250,000 per day by March 1 with each test costing about $31.
Results would come within two days. The contract will initially cost the state $100 million, with a maximum amount of $1.4 billion.
📍NEW: California is increasing its #COVID19 testing capacity ahead of the upcoming flu season.
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) August 26, 2020
The state is partnering with @PerkinElmer to add up to 150,000 diagnostic tests per day with a 24-48 hour guaranteed turnaround time at a cost to the state of $30.78 per test. pic.twitter.com/RkgqKa6US0
