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Testing in California \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Data and Tools<\/b><\/p>\n A wide range of data and analysis guides California\u2019s response to COVID-19. The state is making the data and its analytical tools available to researchers, scientists and the public at\u00a0covid19.ca.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n Popular links include:<\/p>\n Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)<\/b><\/p>\n Each week, the California Department of Public Health updates the number of cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) reported in the state. As of July 21, 23 cases of MIS-C have been reported from seven counties. Los Angeles County has reported the majority of cases (15).\u00a0Additional cases have been reported from San Diego, Imperial, Kings, Monterey, Orange, and Sacramento counties.\u00a0To protect patient confidentiality in counties with fewer than 11 cases, we are not providing total counts at this time.<\/p>\n MIS-C is a rare inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19 that can damage multiple organ systems. MIS-C can require hospitalization and be life threatening. Parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of MIS-C including fever that does not go away, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes or feeling tired. Contact your child\u2019s doctor immediately if your child has these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of patients is critical to preventing long-term complications.<\/p>\n Racial Demographics \u2013 A More Complete Picture<\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0COVID-19 Race and Ethnicity Data<\/a>.<\/p>\n Health Care Worker Infection Rates<\/b><\/p>\n As of July 21, local health departments have reported 20,231 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 111 deaths statewide.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/a>County Monitoring Data<\/b><\/p>\n 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\u00a0County Monitoring List<\/a>\u00a0for three or more consecutive days \u2013 currently 33 counties accounting for the majority of the state\u2019s population \u2013 must\u00a0close indoor operations<\/a>\u00a0for additional activities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For more information, visit the\u00a0County Data Monitoring webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n Your Actions Save Lives What to Do if You Think You\u2019re Sick<\/b><\/p>\n Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath), call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken. More than 100 community testing sites also offer free, confidential testing:\u00a0Find a COVID-19 Testing Site<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit\u00a0covid19.ca.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the\u00a0California Department of Public Health\u2019s Guidance web page<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n<\/b>The California Department of Public Health released\u00a0updated testing guidance on July 14<\/a>\u00a0that focuses on testing hospitalized individuals with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and people being tested as part of the investigation and management of outbreaks, including contact tracing. The testing guidance also prioritizes individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms and individuals without symptoms who fall into high-risk categories, including people who live and work in nursing homes, homeless shelters and prisons, healthcare workers, and patients in hospitals. The new guidance will ensure that Californians who most need tests get them even if there are limited supplies.<\/p>\n\n
\n<\/b>Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:<\/p>\n\n
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