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Close to a Million Coronavirus Tests Could Be Ready in U.S. This Week Close to a Million Coronavirus Tests Could Be Ready in U.S. This Week
(about 13 hours later)
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said on Monday that it could have the capacity for nearly a million tests for the coronavirus by the end of this week, as the government prepares to escalate screening as the American death toll reached six and U.S. infections topped 100.WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said on Monday that it could have the capacity for nearly a million tests for the coronavirus by the end of this week, as the government prepares to escalate screening as the American death toll reached six and U.S. infections topped 100.
Private companies and academic laboratories have been pulled in to develop and validate their own coronavirus tests, a move to get around a government bottleneck after a halting start, and to widen the range and number of Americans screened for the virus, Dr. Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said Monday at a White House briefing.Private companies and academic laboratories have been pulled in to develop and validate their own coronavirus tests, a move to get around a government bottleneck after a halting start, and to widen the range and number of Americans screened for the virus, Dr. Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said Monday at a White House briefing.
The testing expansion comes as the world moves in a more coordinated fashion to confront the virus and its threat to health and the global economy. The Group of 7 industrialized nations is expected to hold an emergency call on Tuesday to synchronize a multinational effort to stimulate economic growth, the first such effort since the global financial crisis more than a decade ago.The testing expansion comes as the world moves in a more coordinated fashion to confront the virus and its threat to health and the global economy. The Group of 7 industrialized nations is expected to hold an emergency call on Tuesday to synchronize a multinational effort to stimulate economic growth, the first such effort since the global financial crisis more than a decade ago.
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund signaled they were also ready to provide assistance, particularly to poor nations. Monetary policymakers from Japan to Europe on Monday pledged to act as needed to stem any economic fallout as infections spread. And U.S. stock prices soared, in part on expectations that the Federal Reserve Board could soon cut interest rates.The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund signaled they were also ready to provide assistance, particularly to poor nations. Monetary policymakers from Japan to Europe on Monday pledged to act as needed to stem any economic fallout as infections spread. And U.S. stock prices soared, in part on expectations that the Federal Reserve Board could soon cut interest rates.
“We’re very excited about that,” President Trump said on Monday afternoon on his way to a campaign rally in North Carolina. “Our country is in great shape.”“We’re very excited about that,” President Trump said on Monday afternoon on his way to a campaign rally in North Carolina. “Our country is in great shape.”
But the virus’s spread was gaining speed, exceeding 90,000 infections and 3,000 deaths worldwide. An expansion of testing in the United States would undoubtedly raise the number of confirmed infections, administration officials said. King County, Wash., where four residents of a single nursing home have died, declared an emergency on Monday, and with more than a dozen schools in the region closed, the virus’s effect was beginning to be felt more broadly.But the virus’s spread was gaining speed, exceeding 90,000 infections and 3,000 deaths worldwide. An expansion of testing in the United States would undoubtedly raise the number of confirmed infections, administration officials said. King County, Wash., where four residents of a single nursing home have died, declared an emergency on Monday, and with more than a dozen schools in the region closed, the virus’s effect was beginning to be felt more broadly.
“We expect to have a substantial increase in the number of tests this week, next week and throughout the month,” Dr. Hahn said, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and top federal health officials.“We expect to have a substantial increase in the number of tests this week, next week and throughout the month,” Dr. Hahn said, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and top federal health officials.
Dr. Hahn’s initial comments caused some confusion about the number of tests that would be administered by the end of the week, but the administration clarified that he was speaking of the capacity for increased testing, not the number of Americans that would be tested. That number is still unknown.Dr. Hahn’s initial comments caused some confusion about the number of tests that would be administered by the end of the week, but the administration clarified that he was speaking of the capacity for increased testing, not the number of Americans that would be tested. That number is still unknown.
White House officials tried to project calm. “The risk to the American people of the coronavirus remains low,” Mr. Pence, who oversees the Trump administration’s coronavirus efforts, told reporters at the White House.White House officials tried to project calm. “The risk to the American people of the coronavirus remains low,” Mr. Pence, who oversees the Trump administration’s coronavirus efforts, told reporters at the White House.
Those reassurances contrasted with warnings delivered on Monday by top officials across the federal government. Officials at the F.D.A. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told congressional staff that the coronavirus death rate “won’t be as bad as the Spanish flu of 1918,” which killed as many as 50 million people worldwide, according to one person on the call and a person briefed on the discussion.Those reassurances contrasted with warnings delivered on Monday by top officials across the federal government. Officials at the F.D.A. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told congressional staff that the coronavirus death rate “won’t be as bad as the Spanish flu of 1918,” which killed as many as 50 million people worldwide, according to one person on the call and a person briefed on the discussion.
In the briefing, which was conducted by phone, the officials said that only 337 additional C.D.C. test kits were made available for distribution on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to two people on the call and the person briefed on the discussion who were not authorized to discuss it publicly. Each of those tests would cover about 350 people, officials said.In the briefing, which was conducted by phone, the officials said that only 337 additional C.D.C. test kits were made available for distribution on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to two people on the call and the person briefed on the discussion who were not authorized to discuss it publicly. Each of those tests would cover about 350 people, officials said.
The officials added that they hoped that a private manufacturer could step in and provide 2,500 more kits by the end of the week. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services said that public health labs currently can test 15,000 people, and could test up to 75,000 by the end of the week, numbers that fall well short of what Dr. Hahn indicated private labs could handle.The officials added that they hoped that a private manufacturer could step in and provide 2,500 more kits by the end of the week. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services said that public health labs currently can test 15,000 people, and could test up to 75,000 by the end of the week, numbers that fall well short of what Dr. Hahn indicated private labs could handle.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an interview with NBC on Monday that the virus had “reached outbreak proportions and likely pandemic proportions.”Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an interview with NBC on Monday that the virus had “reached outbreak proportions and likely pandemic proportions.”
Yet in several appearances on Monday at the White House, the president continued minimizing the risks of the outbreak.Yet in several appearances on Monday at the White House, the president continued minimizing the risks of the outbreak.
In an Oval Office meeting with President Iván Duque Márquez of Colombia, Mr. Trump suggested that there could be a “cure” for the new coronavirus. But that assertion has been widely disputed by scientists, who have warned the public that it could linger globally for many years without one, much like the common cold, a closely related illness. The president also claimed that there were “not very many” cases of the coronavirus in the United States.In an Oval Office meeting with President Iván Duque Márquez of Colombia, Mr. Trump suggested that there could be a “cure” for the new coronavirus. But that assertion has been widely disputed by scientists, who have warned the public that it could linger globally for many years without one, much like the common cold, a closely related illness. The president also claimed that there were “not very many” cases of the coronavirus in the United States.
Later Monday, at a meeting with pharmaceutical executives, Mr. Trump said that “we will continue to do exactly what we’re doing,” even as he hinted that he may announce new travel restrictions from a number of unnamed nations. Mr. Pence said that the Trump administration would screen all travelers on direct flights to the United States from Italy and South Korea, where thousands of coronavirus cases have appeared in recent weeks.Later Monday, at a meeting with pharmaceutical executives, Mr. Trump said that “we will continue to do exactly what we’re doing,” even as he hinted that he may announce new travel restrictions from a number of unnamed nations. Mr. Pence said that the Trump administration would screen all travelers on direct flights to the United States from Italy and South Korea, where thousands of coronavirus cases have appeared in recent weeks.
A senior administration official said that the White House had talked about a broader ban on travel, among other options, but that Mr. Trump had not made a decision.A senior administration official said that the White House had talked about a broader ban on travel, among other options, but that Mr. Trump had not made a decision.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Pence discussed the virus with the nation’s governors, and later joined the president in the meeting with pharmaceutical companies where Mr. Trump said he heard that a vaccine would be ready in three to four months. Dr. Fauci, who was in the room, clarified that deploying a vaccine was at least a year away.Earlier in the day, Mr. Pence discussed the virus with the nation’s governors, and later joined the president in the meeting with pharmaceutical companies where Mr. Trump said he heard that a vaccine would be ready in three to four months. Dr. Fauci, who was in the room, clarified that deploying a vaccine was at least a year away.
The drug company executives told Mr. Trump that it would still take a year to 18 months to produce a viable vaccine in quantities for widespread use.The drug company executives told Mr. Trump that it would still take a year to 18 months to produce a viable vaccine in quantities for widespread use.
“That’s going to require testing periods,” Dr. J. Joseph Kim, the chief executive of Inovio Pharmaceuticals, said in an interview after the White House meeting. “Obviously we’re working at warp speed on this. Just think — we didn’t even have ‘coronavirus’ in our vocabulary until early January.”“That’s going to require testing periods,” Dr. J. Joseph Kim, the chief executive of Inovio Pharmaceuticals, said in an interview after the White House meeting. “Obviously we’re working at warp speed on this. Just think — we didn’t even have ‘coronavirus’ in our vocabulary until early January.”
Dr. Kim said his firm would begin human trials of a vaccine next month, but it would take until the end of the year or early next year to be ready for the broader public.Dr. Kim said his firm would begin human trials of a vaccine next month, but it would take until the end of the year or early next year to be ready for the broader public.
“We can produce as much as one million doses by the end of this year using our existing capacity and resources,” he said. “But we need help from the U.S. government and resources it could bring to scale. If we have a successful vaccine, we need to make hundreds of millions of doses.”“We can produce as much as one million doses by the end of this year using our existing capacity and resources,” he said. “But we need help from the U.S. government and resources it could bring to scale. If we have a successful vaccine, we need to make hundreds of millions of doses.”
Several other companies are also working to develop a vaccine, and one of them, Moderna Therapeutics, said last week that it had delivered its experimental version at a record-setting pace to the National Institutes of Health for early testing in humans, the first drugmaker to do so. Mr. Trump will visit the National Institutes of Health on Tuesday afternoon.Several other companies are also working to develop a vaccine, and one of them, Moderna Therapeutics, said last week that it had delivered its experimental version at a record-setting pace to the National Institutes of Health for early testing in humans, the first drugmaker to do so. Mr. Trump will visit the National Institutes of Health on Tuesday afternoon.
As C.D.C. and F.D.A. officials spoke with congressional staff on Monday afternoon, top lawmakers were rushing to work out an emergency virus spending bill, hoping to pass it before a mid-March break. The legislation, which could be unveiled Tuesday, is expected to be $7 billion to $8 billion.As C.D.C. and F.D.A. officials spoke with congressional staff on Monday afternoon, top lawmakers were rushing to work out an emergency virus spending bill, hoping to pass it before a mid-March break. The legislation, which could be unveiled Tuesday, is expected to be $7 billion to $8 billion.
Lawmakers were also negotiating the possible inclusion of language to ensure vaccine affordability, a demand of Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the two Democratic leaders.Lawmakers were also negotiating the possible inclusion of language to ensure vaccine affordability, a demand of Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the two Democratic leaders.
Lawmakers and their offices were also preparing to take additional precautions on Capitol Hill, given the influx of both employees and tourists on a daily basis. Ms. Pelosi invited other congressional leaders — Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader; Mr. Schumer; and Representative Kevin McCarthy, Republican of California and the minority leader — to attend a briefing with Capitol officials on the coronavirus response on Wednesday.Lawmakers and their offices were also preparing to take additional precautions on Capitol Hill, given the influx of both employees and tourists on a daily basis. Ms. Pelosi invited other congressional leaders — Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader; Mr. Schumer; and Representative Kevin McCarthy, Republican of California and the minority leader — to attend a briefing with Capitol officials on the coronavirus response on Wednesday.
“We’re in the process of determining what precautions, if any, to take here at the Capitol to protect those who work here and visit here,” Mr. McConnell told reporters on Monday.“We’re in the process of determining what precautions, if any, to take here at the Capitol to protect those who work here and visit here,” Mr. McConnell told reporters on Monday.
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
A senior Democratic aide said there had been no discussions of shutting down public galleries or limiting tours.A senior Democratic aide said there had been no discussions of shutting down public galleries or limiting tours.
As local officials around the country raced to keep up with the virus’s spread and assess the risk to schools and businesses, public health experts continued criticizing the speed with which the Trump administration has designed a test and permitted states to use one. The C.D.C. at one point had insisted that only its test — and not one developed by the World Health Organization, for example — could be used on suspected cases, and even C.D.C. tests would be administered under limited circumstances.As local officials around the country raced to keep up with the virus’s spread and assess the risk to schools and businesses, public health experts continued criticizing the speed with which the Trump administration has designed a test and permitted states to use one. The C.D.C. at one point had insisted that only its test — and not one developed by the World Health Organization, for example — could be used on suspected cases, and even C.D.C. tests would be administered under limited circumstances.
“In New York State, the person who tested positive was only the 32nd test we’ve done in this state. That is a national scandal,” Dr. Matt McCarthy of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital said on CNBC.“In New York State, the person who tested positive was only the 32nd test we’ve done in this state. That is a national scandal,” Dr. Matt McCarthy of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital said on CNBC.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Monday at a news conference that a person-to-person spread of the disease in New York City was “inevitable,” a day after confirming that a Manhattan woman had contracted the virus while in Iran and was now isolated at home.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Monday at a news conference that a person-to-person spread of the disease in New York City was “inevitable,” a day after confirming that a Manhattan woman had contracted the virus while in Iran and was now isolated at home.
The plodding pace of federal testing was partly the result of a faulty version of the test kit that the C.D.C. had sent to states, a consequence of scaling up manufacturing. The kit was capable of testing for the coronavirus but falsely identified other viruses.The plodding pace of federal testing was partly the result of a faulty version of the test kit that the C.D.C. had sent to states, a consequence of scaling up manufacturing. The kit was capable of testing for the coronavirus but falsely identified other viruses.
As of Monday, the agency said it had tested fewer than 500 people for the virus, and the part of its website tracking that number was taken down.As of Monday, the agency said it had tested fewer than 500 people for the virus, and the part of its website tracking that number was taken down.
Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said it was clear that the problem around testing at the C.D.C. was much more about leadership than science.Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said it was clear that the problem around testing at the C.D.C. was much more about leadership than science.
“We have been so focused on keeping the virus out of the country,” she said. “If we truly believed, as many of us have been arguing, that it was highly likely there were already cases in the U.S., I think we would have been asking tougher questions about how we could get testing capacity online.”“We have been so focused on keeping the virus out of the country,” she said. “If we truly believed, as many of us have been arguing, that it was highly likely there were already cases in the U.S., I think we would have been asking tougher questions about how we could get testing capacity online.”
Restrictions on testing have severely constrained local health departments, which were desperate to catch up with and contain the spread. Dow Constantine, the executive of King County, Wash., said the county was preparing to buy a motel in the Seattle area where people who were infected with the coronavirus could stay to remain isolated.Restrictions on testing have severely constrained local health departments, which were desperate to catch up with and contain the spread. Dow Constantine, the executive of King County, Wash., said the county was preparing to buy a motel in the Seattle area where people who were infected with the coronavirus could stay to remain isolated.
On Saturday, the F.D.A. said that hundreds of academic medical centers that have developed and validated diagnostic materials for the virus could begin testing patients immediately, even before the F.D.A. completes an emergency authorization review, which laboratories run by states and private companies have also applied for.On Saturday, the F.D.A. said that hundreds of academic medical centers that have developed and validated diagnostic materials for the virus could begin testing patients immediately, even before the F.D.A. completes an emergency authorization review, which laboratories run by states and private companies have also applied for.
The C.D.C. has also announced that labs with two of three working components in its test kit could go ahead and use the tests, and it has broadened the criteria to include people who had traveled to places with coronavirus infections outside China.The C.D.C. has also announced that labs with two of three working components in its test kit could go ahead and use the tests, and it has broadened the criteria to include people who had traveled to places with coronavirus infections outside China.
Gathering evidence in scientific settings is crucial at this stage of the outbreak, as researchers examine genomes of current infections. Some in Washington State said that similarities between cases there suggest the virus may have been spreading in the state for weeks.Gathering evidence in scientific settings is crucial at this stage of the outbreak, as researchers examine genomes of current infections. Some in Washington State said that similarities between cases there suggest the virus may have been spreading in the state for weeks.
In one case, health officials scrambled to retrace every step of a man who had tested positive for the coronavirus, tracking down eight people he had been with at a lunch and 37 more who were in a clinic where he sought medical help. They also contacted people on a flight he was on to the United States.In one case, health officials scrambled to retrace every step of a man who had tested positive for the coronavirus, tracking down eight people he had been with at a lunch and 37 more who were in a clinic where he sought medical help. They also contacted people on a flight he was on to the United States.
Peter Baker, Maggie Haberman and Nicholas Fandos contributed reporting.Peter Baker, Maggie Haberman and Nicholas Fandos contributed reporting.