Scale and expand testing. To control the COVID-19 pandemic and safely reopen
schools and businesses, America must have wide-spread testing. A national
testing strategy is a cornerstone to reducing the spread of COVID-19 and
controlling outbreaks, and clear federal guidance and a unified national approach to
implementation are essential. The President will issue Executive Order Establishing
the National Pandemic Testing Board and Ensuring a Sustainable Public Health Workforce
for COVID-19 and Other Biological Threats which establishes the COVID-19 Pandemic
Testing Board to oversee implementation of a clear, unified approach to testing. The
federal government will expand the rapid testing supply and double test supplies
and increase testing capacity. The Administration will also increase onshore test
manufacturing, fill testing supply shortfalls, enhance laboratory capacity to conduct
testing over the short- and long-term, and expand surveillance for hotspots and
variants.
Effectively distribute tests and expand access to testing. The federal government
will support school screening testing programs to help schools reopen. The
Administration will also stand up a dedicated CDC Testing Support Team, fund rapid
test acquisition and distribution for priority populations, work to spur development
and manufacturing of at-home tests and work to ensure that tests are widely
available. Through Executive Order Establishing the National Pandemic Testing Board
and Ensuring a Sustainable Public Health Workforce for COVID-19 and Other Biological
Threats the President will direct agencies to facilitate testing free of charge for those
who lack health insurance and to clarify insurers’ obligation to cover testing. The
11 |
federal government will also provide testing protocols to inform the use of testing
in congregate settings, schools, and other critical areas and among asymptomatic
individuals. Further, technical assistance will support more widespread adoption of
testing to improve timely diagnosis and public confidence in the safety of settings like
schools.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
