Make sure everyone who needs a test gets a test

Health professionals say they don't have enough coronavirus tests available to test everyone who needs it, and so they're left largely in the dark on the scope of the problem and how to contain it.

That's why we're calling on Admiral Brett Giroir, the new head of coronavirus testing response, to immediately adopt a plan to make sure that everyone who needs a test gets a test.

The plan, put forward by former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner David Kessler, MD, includes four crucial provisions:

  • Expand testing locations by granting universities and private institutions the ability to test, using drive-through testing, and getting Department of Defense medics to staff mobile testing units.
  • Expedite testing by directing UPS, Amazon, FedEx and USPS to coordinate on shipping.
  • Improve data management by getting Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and others to consult on managing the huge flow of new data.
  • Communicate clearly by coordinating with the American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other medical experts to give clear guidance on who needs a test, where to get the test, and what to make of the results.

Beyond Commissioner Kessler's recommendations, Florida PIRG is calling on Adm. Giroir to increase the amount of test kits sent out into the field, and ensure that each testing location has the necessary tools to process the results swiftly.

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Subject: Expand coronavirus testing