NR20-161

 

Date: July 14, 2020
Number: NR20-161
Contact: CDPHpress@cdph.ca.gov

Testing in California

As testing capacity continues to increase across the state, the California Department of Public Health is working to expand access to COVID-19 testing. Testing should be used for medical evaluation of persons with symptoms of COVID-19 as well as for efforts by public health agencies and essential employers to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. Individuals prioritized for testing include: 

• Hospitalized patients
  
• Symptomatic and asymptomatic healthcare workers, first responders, and other social service employees
  
• Symptomatic individuals age 65 and older or symptomatic individuals of any age with chronic medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness
  
• Individuals who are tested as part of disease control efforts in high-risk settings
  
• Asymptomatic residents and employees of congregate living facilities when needed to prevent disease transmission
  
• Symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in essential occupations such as grocery store and food supply workers, utility workers and public employees
  
• Other individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19

Data and Tools

A wide range of data and analysis guides California’s response to COVID-19. The state is making the data and its analytical tools available to researchers, scientists and the public at covid19.ca.gov.

Popular links include:

• The Statewide COVID-19 Dashboard
• The California COVID-19 Assessment Tool (CalCAT)
• State Cases and Deaths Associated with COVID-19 by Age Group
• COVID-19 Race & Ethnicity Data
• COVID-19 Hospital Data and Case Statistics
• View additional datasets at the California Open Data Portal (Including: Testing Data, PPE Logistics Data, Hospital Data, Homeless Impact and more)
  

Racial Demographics – A More Complete Picture

The California Department of Public Health is committed to health equity and collecting more detailed racial and ethnic data that will provide additional understanding for determining future action. Health outcomes are affected by forces including structural racism, poverty and the disproportionate prevalence of underlying conditions such as asthma and heart disease among Latinos and African American Californians. Only by looking at the full picture can we understand how to ensure the best outcomes for all Californians.

The differences in health outcomes related to COVID-19 are most stark in COVID-19 deaths. We have nearly complete data on race and ethnicity for COVID-19 deaths, and we are seeing the following trends: Latinos, African Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are dying at disproportionately higher levels. More males are dying from COVID-19 than females, in line with national trends. More information is available at COVID-19 Race and Ethnicity Data.

Health Care Worker Infection Rates

As of July 13, local health departments have reported 17,910 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 100 deaths statewide. 

County Monitoring Data

California is using data and science to respond to COVID-19. Data by county gives Californians insight into how their county is doing and provides an early indication of developing areas of concern. Counties on the County Monitoring List for three or more consecutive days – currently 29 counties accounting for 80 percent of the state's population – must close indoor operations for additional activities. 

For more information, visit the County Data Monitoring webpage.

Your Actions Save Lives

Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:  

• Staying home except for essential needs/activities following local and state public health guidelines when patronizing approved businesses. To the extent that such sectors are re-opened, Californians may leave their homes to work at, patronize, or otherwise engage with those businesses, establishments or activities.
  

• Practicing social distancing.

• Wearing a cloth face mask when out in public.

• Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.

• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

• Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.

• Answer the call if a contact tracer from the CA COVID Team or your local health department tries to connect. Contact tracers will connect you to free, confidential testing and other resources, if needed.

• Following guidance from public health officials.