Coordinated an interagency project team to include the White House, Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and the Department of Defense to rapidly characterize the performance of serological diagnostic tests.Expanded reporting options for hospital diagnostic testing data through the HHS Protect system, which reduces burden on hospitals and ensures that the federal government has access to all in-house hospital laboratory testing data.Distributed point-of-care analyzers and test kits to public health labs in all 50 states and U.S territories, as well as tribal communities through the Indian Health Service.Worked with diagnostic test developers and manufacturers to encourage rapid development of new technologies and scale up testing inventory.Supported states in identifying additional testing capacity and increasing use of testing platforms.Key actions taken by this Task Force include: ![]() Actions to Increase TestingĪs part of the whole-of-America response, HHS and FEMA lead a joint federal Laboratory Diagnostics Task Force focused on multiple paths to increase nationwide COVID-19 testing and support to governors nationwide to have the equipment, supplies, and testing resources needed to reopen safely and responsibly. Each state, territory and tribal will develop its own distribution strategy to align with its testing plan and unique needs. Once sourced and procured, the intent is to have this material shipped directly to the necessary location within each state, territory or tribe for their ultimate distribution. The FEMA-sourced material will be provided to states, territories and tribes for a limited duration to help increase testing capacity in support of their individualized reopening and testing plans. ![]() To support the Administration’s Testing Blueprint, FEMA, at the direction of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, is working to source and procure testing material – specifically, testing swabs and transport media. ![]() States should make full use of the testing resources available to them, to include leveraging the full capacity available through commercial, hospital and academic laboratories in addition to the capability available through public health laboratories.As different localities have different needs, including the needs of low-income individuals, older adults, persons with disabilities, persons with limited English proficiency, and members of communities of color, states should each develop testing plans and rapid response programs that fit the needs of their communities and ensure equitable delivery of testing to individuals with civil rights protections.The federal government provides strategic guidance on the best use of available technologies, approves new tests to expand capacity, shares best practices with states, and more.The President’s Testing Blueprint sets forth the partnership between federal, state, local, and tribal governments, along with the private-sector and professional associations, all of which will play important roles in meeting the Nation’s testing needs.The Administration’s Opening Up America Again Testing Overview and Testing Blueprint are designed to facilitate state development and implementation of the robust testing plans and rapid response programs described in the guidelines. Under President Trump’s Guidelines for Opening America Up Again, states should meet at least five metrics before proceeding to a phased reopening which includes demonstrating a downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases over a 14-day period as well as maintaining a robust system for testing health care workers. President Trump has led a historic effort to revolutionize testing in the United States to confront this challenge. Testing is critical to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and mitigate its threat to public health.
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