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Newsom slammed for California student COVID test shortage

The Los Angeles Times published an editorial this week saying Gov. Newsom must deliver on his commitment.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing criticism for failing to deliver on his promise to provide rapid, at-home tests to all of the state's students and school staff before classrooms reopened after winter break. 

Millions of test kits went out to families before and during winter break but millions more did not. That has raised concerns about school safety now that COVID-19 cases are soaring. California schools chief Tony Thurmond says it's disappointing that the tests have not reached all the places they need to and the state must speed things up. 

The Los Angeles Times published an editorial this week saying Newsom must deliver on his commitment.

California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said Wednesday in a teleconference that over six million COVID-19 tests have been delivered to county offices of education around the state. The Governor's office noted that this is in addition to the two million tests that were announced in early December.

Ghaly says the state expects more tests to go out to county offices of education statewide in the next couple of weeks. In Sacramento County, nearly 500,000 tests have been delivered. 

“We have been able to get millions of test into the community," Ghaly said.

He said the state is continuing to support schools in keeping up with the testing procedures they currently have in place. As for those who don't have procedures in place, he said now would be a good time for those districts in the state to get the state's supported school testing programs in place. As of Wednesday, Jan. 6, nearly 40% of students have not yet returned to classrooms.

"Keep doing what we have done," Ghaly said.

Looking at the wider picture, he did say that officials are seeing more young people being admitted with COVID-19. 

Ghaly added health officials are pushing for kids that are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine and to continue wearing a mask.

Read the full AP story here.

(Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information about test kit delivery.)

Watch: Sacramento schools hoping to have more COVID-19 tests by end of week

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