Testing has become more widely available in Shasta County, and both major hospitals now have rapid testing capability. Anyone with a fever, cough and shortness of breath should request a test from their healthcare provider or public health at 225-5591.
There’s a lot of pressure to lift social distancing restrictions and allow closed businesses to reopen. However, sufficient testing is not yet available to test any large segment of the population that would include people without symptoms. That’s what would be necessary to get an adequate assessment of the percentage of the population currently carrying the virus, because someone can be infected and contagious for two weeks before showing symptoms.