Share
SACRAMENTO — California has signed a contract worth up to $1.4 billion with a company to provide a significantly cheaper coronavirus test that will allow the state to eventually more than double the number of people tested to 250,000 per day, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday.
California now 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 contract with Massachusetts-based PerkinElmer will increase the state’s testing capacity to a quarter-million per day 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, according to the Newsom administration. The goal is to begin processing tens of thousands of new tests by November and reach at full capacity by March.
[covid-19-tracker]California Has Had a Relationship With PerkinElmer for 30 Years
“Supply chains across the country have slowed as demand for COVID-19 tests has increased, and flu season will only exacerbate the problem,” Newsom said. “So we are building our own laboratory capabilities right here on California soil with a stable supply chain to fight the disease, lower the prices of testing for everyone and protect Californians most at risk from COVID-19.”
California has had a relationship with PerkinElmer for 30 years. The company conducts newborn screening for the state and operates other genetic testing programs.
PerkinElmer will use polymerase chain reaction diagnostic testing, which Newsom referred to as the gold standard. But the contract says the company can pivot to new testing technology once it becomes available.
RELATED TOPICS:
Judge and Ohtani Light Up the First Inning With Historic Homers in Yankees-Dodgers Rematch
20 hours ago
Chapman Homers, Harrison Pitches Five Scoreless Innings as Giants Beat Marlins
21 hours ago
General Is a Good Boy — in English and Spanish
22 hours ago
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap
12 hours ago
California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Vows to Repeal Transgender Athlete Law
16 hours ago
Trans Athlete Competes in California Championships in Clovis Despite National Controversy
19 hours ago
Tim Walz Urges Democrats to Fight Back Harder Against ‘Bully’ Trump
20 hours ago
No. 15 Overall Seed UCLA Eases Past Fresno State Behind a Season-High 22 Hits
20 hours ago
Judge and Ohtani Light Up the First Inning With Historic Homers in Yankees-Dodgers Rematch
20 hours ago
Chapman Homers, Harrison Pitches Five Scoreless Innings as Giants Beat Marlins
21 hours ago
General Is a Good Boy — in English and Spanish
22 hours ago
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap
12 hours ago
California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Vows to Repeal Transgender Athlete Law
16 hours ago
Trans Athlete Competes in California Championships in Clovis Despite National Controversy
19 hours ago
Tim Walz Urges Democrats to Fight Back Harder Against ‘Bully’ Trump
20 hours ago
No. 15 Overall Seed UCLA Eases Past Fresno State Behind a Season-High 22 Hits
20 hours ago
Judge and Ohtani Light Up the First Inning With Historic Homers in Yankees-Dodgers Rematch
20 hours ago
Chapman Homers, Harrison Pitches Five Scoreless Innings as Giants Beat Marlins
21 hours ago
General Is a Good Boy — in English and Spanish
22 hours ago

Cabrera, Three Relievers Combine to Lead Marlins to Win Over Giants

Spike in Steel Tariffs Could Imperil Trump Promise of Lower Grocery Prices

Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap

California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Vows to Repeal Transgender Athlete Law

Trans Athlete Competes in California Championships in Clovis Despite National Controversy

Tim Walz Urges Democrats to Fight Back Harder Against ‘Bully’ Trump
