The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19.

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:

·         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

As of May 24, 1,644,102 tests have been conducted in California and reported to the California Department of Public Health.

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.