BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Doctors and co-owners of Accelerated Urgent Care in Bakersfield say it may not be necessary anymore for residents to shelter-in-place.

Doctors Dan Erickson and Artin Massihi said their facilities have tested over 5,200 patients for the coronavirus throughout the county, making up for over half of all testing in Kern. According to their data, the death rate of the coronavirus is similar in prevalence to the flu.

"Now that we have the facts," said Dr. Erickson. "It's time to get back to work."

Erickson said he believes businesses could reopen and as testing continues, people could starting going back to work. In fact, Erickson suggests that staying at home too long could be even worse for people's health.



"we understand microbiology, we understand immunology and we want strong immune systems," Erickson said. "I don't want to stay in my home and develop a weak immune system and then come out and get a disease."

Erickson said Accelerated Urgent Care have been in communication with the Kern County Public Health Department and discussed whether the state should reopen. In response, public health has offered the following statement: