Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Health Experts Say America Needs More Rapid, Cheap Covid Tests
Axios: U.S. Needs To Expand Rapid COVID-19 Testing, Experts Say
The U.S. needs to ramp up the use of rapid COVID-19 testing in order to curb the pandemic and prepare for reopening, two public health experts said on Wednesday during an Axios virtual event. Experts warn that vaccinations likely do not provide long-term immunity and that the pandemic is far from over. Jennifer Nuzzo of Johns Hopkins, and Michael Mina of Harvard's Kennedy School of Public Health, say mass testing will be imperative to tracking outbreaks and containing the virus in the coming months. (Saric, 3/24)
Politico: Vaccines Alone Won't End Covid. Biden's New Testing Strategy Could Help Finish The Job
The Biden administration is trying to transform the United States’ Covid-19 testing system — shifting focus from diagnosing people who suspect they're infected to regularly screening millions of Americans at school or work. The White House announced last week that it would spend $10 billion on screening programs for K-12 students as part of a broader national effort to return kids to classrooms. The administration has also inked deals with several manufacturers of rapid tests designed for at-home use. The moves come as demand for testing is dropping nationwide, and both lawmakers and the public are focused on the vaccine rollout. (Lim, 3/24)
The New York Times: Businesses May Benefit From Sharing Covid Testing Resources, Study Suggests
Last year, when the National Football League decided to stage its season in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, it went all-in on testing. The league tested all players and personnel before they reported for summer training camp, and continued near-daily testing in the months that followed. Between Aug. 1 and the Super Bowl in early February, the N.F.L. administered almost one million tests to players and staff.Many other organizations have sought safety in mass testing. The University of Illinois is testing its students, faculty and staff twice a week and has conducted more than 1.6 million tests since July. Major corporations, from Amazon to Tyson Foods, have rolled out extensive testing programs for their own employees. Now, a new analysis suggests that schools, businesses and other organizations that want to keep themselves safe should think beyond strictly themselves. (Anthes, 3/24)
And the governor of New York faces criticism over covid tests for his family —
The Hill: Cuomo Family Members Received Special Priority For COVID-19 Testing: Report
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) family members and other people with ties to the administration received priority COVID-19 testing last year, the Albany Times Union reported on Wednesday. Three people with direct knowledge of the matter told the Times Union that Cuomo and Health Commissioner Howard Zucker instructed high-level officials at the New York State Department of Health to conduct prioritized testing for these individuals. Cuomo’s brother, mother and at least one of his sisters were among those tested by the officials. (Coleman, 3/24)
