White House unveils coronavirus testing plan
- Alayna Treene, author of Axios Sneak Peek
Photo: Doug MIlls/The New York Times via Getty Images
President Trump unveiled two new documents at Monday's coronavirus press briefing — a coronavirus "testing overview" and "testing blueprint" — that lay out how the administration plans to work with state governments and the private sector to expand testing, viewed as critical to reopening the economy.
Why it matters: Governors have urged the federal government to be more involved in expanding testing and coordinating a national strategy, but it’s unclear whether these new documents will allay their concerns.
Details: The "testing overview" lays out three stages to address testing — "launch," "scale," and "support opening up again."
- The first two stages summarize steps that the administration has already taken, while the third stage details a plan for the federal government to "coordinate with governors to support testing plans and rapid response programs."
The document also notes that continued support from the federal government will include:
- Expedited regulatory approvals for tests and testing equipment.
- Research and development of diagnostic tests.
- Updated procedural guidance for administrating tests.
Key takeaway: The overview makes clear that the federal government will act as a "supplier of last resort" when it comes to testing.
Go deeper: Coronavirus testing increasing, but still not good enough