NewsCalifornia News

Actions

California narrows testing priority as virus cases surge

Virus Outbreak California
Posted
and last updated

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California has overhauled its guidelines for who can be tested for the coronavirus.

Guidelines released Tuesday prioritize people who are in the hospital with symptoms, those in close contact with infected people and when necessary to control outbreaks.

That's a narrower focus than the state had previously when some cities were allowing anyone, even those without symptoms, to get tests.

Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state's top health official, says the state needs to focus on controlling outbreaks while it works to increase testing capacity.

California's transmission rates and hospitalizations have been steadily rising.

Bakersfield, CA

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

SaturdaySat

08/08/2026

Partly Cloudy

-° / 78°

0%

SundaySun

08/09/2026

Mostly Clear

110° / 82°

0%

MondayMon

08/10/2026

Mostly Clear

108° / 80°

0%

TuesdayTue

08/11/2026

Clear

103° / 77°

0%

WednesdayWed

08/12/2026

Mostly Clear

101° / 74°

0%

ThursdayThu

08/13/2026

Mostly Clear

97° / 69°

1%

FridayFri

08/14/2026

Mostly Clear

95° / 69°

1%

SaturdaySat

08/15/2026

Clear

95° / 70°

0%