Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Saliva Test Approval Taking Too Long, Illinois Lawmakers Say
Chicago Tribune: University Of Illinois’ COVID-19 Saliva Test Moves Closer To FDA Approval, But Not Fast Enough To Meet The Demand: ‘Every School District In Illinois Would Love To Have This’
The University of Illinois has completed a critical step toward obtaining federal approval for its saliva-based COVID-19 test, but some lawmakers worry it’s taking too long to help other state colleges, school districts and companies struggling to operate amid the pandemic. (Cherney, 1/5)
Philadelphia Inquirer: Pa. Lags Nation In People Tested Per Day, Is Nowhere Near Level Needed To Suppress The Virus
Pennsylvania has greatly increased the amount of daily coronavirus testing it conducts since the pandemic began last spring, but still falls short of many states and lags far behind what some experts say is needed to actually suppress the spread. Over the last week, the state has reported an average of 17,859 new PCR test results per day — or roughly 143 tests per 100,000 people, according to Spotlight PA’s coronavirus tracker. That’s fewer than all but four states and Puerto Rico, according to Johns Hopkins University’s testing tracker. (Piper, 1/6)
Charlotte Observer: COVID-19 In Charlotte: Positive Tests Record After Christmas
The average COVID-19 positivity rate in Mecklenburg County soared to 15.6% in the week after Christmas, according to new data released Tuesday by health officials. It’s a new high for the Charlotte area, which has seen dramatic increases in the number of coronavirus infections and hospitalizations over the last two months. (Kuznitz, 1/5)
AP: South Dakota COVID-19 Update Shows No Deaths For 2nd Day
South Dakota’s COVID-19 update released Tuesday showed no new deaths for a second straight day, although the state Department of Corrections on Monday reported that a sixth prison inmate has died due to the coronavirus. State health officials confirmed 444 positive tests in the past day, increasing the total number to 101,076 since the start of the pandemic. The death toll remained at 1,513. (1/5)
