California lieutenant governor signs bill ensuring coronavirus testing access

By TOM JOYCE

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - Serving as Acting Governor of California on Thursday, Eleni Kounalakis signed a piece of legislation regarding the state’s pandemic response.

Ms. Kounalakis signed AB 269, an urgency measure filed by Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park. It authorizes, “qualified laboratory personnel to continue solely processing COVID-19 tests and permits COVID19 testing sites contracted with the California Department of Public Health

(CDPH) to continue dispensing COVID19 therapeutics until January 2024,” according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“This measure preserves important tools in the state’s response to the pandemic and will continue to protect public health as California moves forward, focusing on preparedness and support for our communities,” the release said. The bill came up two days after the state’s coronavirus state of emergency ended. The state’s SMARTER Plan still guides the state concerning coronavirus vaccines, testing, and