Enable widespread rapid antigen testing

America needs your support to implement widespread, frequent use of rapid antigen tests to break chains of transmission and quickly stop the spread of COVID-19. A relatively modest upfront investment could enable the immediate production and distribution of high quality yet inexpensive paper-strip tests. Millions of Americans could be empowered to test frequently (at least twice a week), learn in minutes whether they are contagious, and take immediate action to avoid spreading the virus. • Rapid antigen tests are just as effective as PCR tests at detecting contagious people. • Even with only partial compliance, widespread rapid testing could save untold lives and yield massive economic benefits. As you prepare to vote on President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, please: • Support the appropriation of $20 billion (of the $50 billion President Biden has requested for testing) to implement nationwide rapid antigen testing specifically, and  • Create a public health authorization path for at-home rapid antigen tests. The FDA is currently trying to push rapid antigen tests through a medical diagnostic authorization pathway, which is slowing the authorization of critical public health tools. Please visit rapidtests.org for more information -- thank you! (*) https://science.sciencemag.org/content/371/6525/126/tab-pdf

First sent on February 5 by RapidTests.org