COMPREHENSIVE COVID-19 TESTING

Health professionals and experts say we don't have enough fast and accurate coronavirus tests to meet the current need.

A chorus of experts, including former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, are also saying that fast, accurate and widespread testing will be key to moving safely out of social distancing and engaging in public life.

We are calling on Adm. Brett Giroir, the testing chief in the U.S., to work with federal and state agencies and health experts to build up the fast, accurate and comprehensive testing infrastructure we need, including:

  1. Expanding testing capacity and expediting test processing, using the Defense Production Act to get the tests and supplies that health professionals need, set clear standards for quality, and expand testing options through newly authorized labs, drive-through and home testing options.

  1. Making serological antibody tests widely available, so we can know who has already had COVID-19 and can use that information to make decisions to move out of social distancing.

  1. Setting up a national, coordinated network that can identify and trace small future pockets of infection before they multiply into larger outbreaks.
Subject: America needs a comprehensive COVID-19 testing plan