CDC's new COVID-19 testing guidelines are 'worrisome,' SoCal doctor says

There has been much confusion over the changing CDC guidelines about who, and when, someone should be tested for COVID-19.

Most recently, the CDC said people did not need to get tested -- even if they had come in contact with someone who had been infected with the virus.

This $5 rapid test is a potential game-changer in COVID-19 testing

Abbott Labs got emergency approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for its rapid antigen test, which can detect a COVID-19 infection in 15 minutes.

ABC7 spoke with Dr. Anthony Cardillo, CEO of Mend Urgent Care and emergency room specialist, to get his expert opinion on the CDC changes.

"This is a 100% about-face, and it's a bit worrisome for us," said Cardillo. "I think it starts eroding the confidence the public has in the CDC's decisions, the same way we had with the masks. If you are concerned that you had a significant close contact, the clinicians, the medical establishment, are probably going to tell you to still get tested."

Dr. Cardillo also spoke about a vaccine trial by Moderna that shows promise. The original study showed people up to age 56 had very good results. New data added 20 more participants.

First COVID-19 vaccine trial volunteers describe experience, symptoms

With a trial for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine set to begin in the Bay Area this month, we talked to some of the first people in the U.S. who've tried a vaccine. One volunteer in Seattle said she's felt "fantastic" since being injected in March.

"Moderna is finding their baseline vaccine is working the same with all age groups with the same robust response, that's really good news for us," said Cardillo.

In our "Ask the Doc" segment, a viewer said her pastor told them it was OK to take masks off at an outdoor service because the heat would kill the virus. Is that true?

"This information is 100% false," said Cardillo. "Taking off your mask when you're outside is not going to cause the virus to get killed, it's still going to be transmitted regardless. If you are in close contact without a mask you are highly susceptible."

FDA approves cheaper, faster saliva-based COVID-19 test

This is definitely a relief for those dreading the nasal test! Click play to hear more about the "game changing" new test from ABC13's Brhe Berry.

'Entirely bizarre': CA health officer reacts to CDC reversal on COVID-19 testing

Santa Clara County health officials are sounding the alarm over the new COVID-19 testing guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday.