SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state has signed a contract worth up to $1.4 billion with a company that will more than double the state's daily conroavirus testing capacity.
Right now, California averages about 100,000 tests per day, with the state paying $100 per test and results taking between five and seven business days. Newsom said the state’s new contract with Massachusetts-based PerkinElmer will increase the state’s testing capacity to 250,000 per day by March 1 with each test costing about $31. Results would come within two days.
The contract will initially cost the state $100 million, with a maximum amount of $1.4 billion.
This comes after a person who works at the California Capitol building has tested positive for the coronavirus during the critical final week of the legislative session.
Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins' office confirmed the case on Wednesday. Her office could not say if the case was a lawmaker or a staffer. The Senate delayed a scheduled 10 a.m. session to vote on legislation.
The Legislature has already been delayed twice because of the coronavirus. At the beginning of July, the Capitol had to close for a deep cleaning and sanitation after at least five people, including Assemblywoman Autumn Burke (D-Marina Del Rey), contracted COVID-19.
Another delay could mean lawmakers will run out of time on some high profile issues, including extending eviction protections during the pandemic. Lawmakers must finish their work by Monday.
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