HAYWARD (KPIX) – After weeks of traffic and long lines, Hayward’s first come, first served COVID-19 testing site is now by appointment only and no longer at the same site.
The line that has circled around Cal State East Bay to get necessary coronavirus testing for a month has moved and changed. The new location is a parking lot between Skywest Golf Course and Hayward Executive Airport.
“The cars were queuing on Mission Boulevard, which is probably a few miles away. Therefore, wait times were bad, so it reduces the waiting time in traffic,” said Don Nichelson of Hayward Fire.
The new Hayward will continue to perform nearly 500 tests consistent with the day.
As the virus test increases, the key signs of the virus’s spread are decreasing statewide. More than 5700 positive cases were reported over the weekend, however, 7-day averages have fallen by 21%.
The positivity rate of these tests is also decreasing, ranging from around 7% to nearly 8%.
“It’s not where you want to be, it’s still too high, once again, it’s smart to see that number go by, it doesn’t go up,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a news convention Monday.
The number of COVID-19 instances requiring hospitalization is also decreasing. Hospital admissions have declined by 10% and extensive care revenues have declined by 5%.
Governor Newsom said that despite the downward trend, surveillance is still needed.
“A few more weeks of knowledge to come, the news is that we feel confident where we are as a state,” Newsom said.