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California narrows testing priority as virus cases surge

Virus Outbreak California
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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.

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