SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Following a CBS13 investigation into the state's COVID testing lab and its $1.7 billion contract with PerkinElmer, the company is now effectively suing a whistleblower who spoke to CBS13 and indicating it may sue others.
The CBS13 investigation began with one whistleblower and quickly evolved into many who came to us with allegations about the state's new COVID testing lab that they say pose a significant risk to public health.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9rnaEtSHWXFoG1pAj1CiNilb7n4mdjH
CBS13 obtained documents that back up the allegations, which whistleblowers reported to us and, in some cases, to regulators. They say their prior complaints to management were ignored.
Most of the whistleblowers asked that we conceal their identities out of fear of retaliation, but former lab manager, Dr. Manahz Salem agreed to show her face. She reached out after seeing our initial reports and, like many, confirmed the allegations.
READ ALSO: Regulators Find 'Significant Deficiencies' At CA COVID Testing Lab - Whistleblowers Respond
"I really want the public to know that this lab should not continue operating like this," Dr. Salem said.
Now PerkinElmer is suing Salem along with 25 other unnamed defendants who they can choose to name later.
The lawsuit was filed Monday, the same day that the state announced it had found "significant deficiencies" at the lab during a December inspection.
The lawsuit alleges Salem emailed...
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