California Governor Gavin Newsom activated 200 National Guard members to “bolster” COVID-19 testing sites across the state Friday.

The guardsmen will work with 50 Optum Serve sites on an interim basis until full-time staff can be hired.

“California has led the country’s fight against COVID-19, implementing first-in-the-nation public health measures that have helped save tens of thousands of lives,” Gov. Newsom said. “We continue to support communities in their response to COVID by bolstering testing capacity.”

The state has set up 6,000 COVID-19 testing sites across the state as positive cases have gradually increased since December.

The state has averaged 43,697 positive cases with a positivity rate of 21.7%.

Los Angeles reported 43,712 positive cases Friday, which is higher than the entire state’s average.

“If you’re sick, don’t hesitate to get tested,” Newsom said Friday.

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