Science’s COVID-19 reporting is supported by the Pulitzer Center.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) today announced a $1.5 billion initiative to speed breakthroughs in diagnostic tests for the virus that causes COVID-19. The program aims to increase the U.S. capacity for SARS-CoV-2 testing up to 100-fold by late summer, in time for the start of the flu season.
NIH Director Francis Collins said during a conference call with reporters that the improved tests are desperately needed to deal with the global pandemic, at least until an effective vaccine is rolled out. “These technologies will play a pivotal role in getting us back to normal,” Collins said.
Image: Today’s testing for the novel coronavirus requires nasal swabs, but a $1.5 billion National Institutes of Health initiative could develop easier-to-use tests. REUTERS/LINDSEY WASSON
Science’s COVID-19 reporting is supported by the Pulitzer Center.
