Feds To Give Arizona More Than 2 Million Rapid COVID-19 Tests

PHOENIX⁠ — Arizona will receive 2.19 million Abbott rapid point-of-care tests which can produce results within 15 minutes. On Monday, President Trump announced that the administration will distribute more than 150 million rapid Abbott tests around the country in the coming weeks.

Of the 150 million tests, roughly 50 million will be targeted to vulnerable communities including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice care, and tribal nations.

“Arizona is grateful to President Trump for his continued partnership during this pandemic and for once again prioritizing our state,” said Governor Ducey. “These new FDA-approved rapid tests will allow us to quickly identify cases and prevent outbreaks among our most vulnerable citizens. Combined with the PPE, ventilators and health care workers the White House has provided to Arizona, these tests will go a long way in making sure we are able to continue to safely keep Arizona’s economy open.”

According to the Governor’s Office, the Arizona Department of Health Services is working with county health departments to prioritize the tests for K-12 schools and congregate care facilities for vulnerable individuals.

As a result of the expected announcement, it is unclear why Ducey announced $6 million for the development of Arizona State University’s point-of-need testing.

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