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.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Wednesday

03/11/2026

Clear

-° / 51°

5%

Thursday

03/12/2026

Clear

81° / 54°

5%

Friday

03/13/2026

Partly Cloudy

82° / 55°

5%

Saturday

03/14/2026

Mostly Clear

81° / 55°

4%

Sunday

03/15/2026

Partly Cloudy

83° / 57°

4%

Monday

03/16/2026

Mostly Clear

89° / 60°

2%

Tuesday

03/17/2026

Clear

95° / 64°

0%

Wednesday

03/18/2026

Mostly Clear

96° / 64°

1%