Coronavirus US: which test sites will be closed?
Federal funding for 13 community-based coronavirus testing sites is to be ceased by the end of June as other testing support measures are introduced.
President Donald Trump recently stated to his loyal base at a rally that he had asked for coronavirus testing to be reduced as it made the number of positive cases larger and created a worse impression. Some aides claimed he was joking - something POTUS then denied - but now we are seeing the administration end federal funding for 13 community-based testing sites.
Covid-19 testing sites to lose funding
By the end of the month, seven sites in Texas as well as others in Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, will see their funding cease. The government, though, are trying to get the message across that this was a planned move with other measures coming in, especially as spikes are being seen in several states, Texas more than most. The Trump administration had announced back in April that this was the plan as they looked to encourage more private-public testing partnerships, but legal challenges had delayed the move until now.
Regarding the Covid-19 testing, Adm. Brett Giroir told reporters during a call by the US Health and Human Services Department: “We are not withdrawing federal support. We are providing federal support in a different way.
“We are going to increase testing, both in the number and the quality, and in the targeting on social media.”
Opposition to the end of funding
There is plenty of opposition to the decision, including that of Republican John Cornyn who represents Texas in the Senate.
“I know there’s concern, concern I share, over some of the statements being made about withdrawing federal support for coronavirus testing in Texas at the end of June.
“It’s pretty clear to me, and I think it’s clear to all of us, that with the uptick of cases, now is not a time to retreat from our vigilance in testing.”
Texas Republican Ted Cruz is also unhappy about the decision and is said to be pushing hard to get it reversed.
On the other side of the house the argument is clear, and as Chuck Schumer tweeted: “Let me get this straight: Cases are spiking across the country. The admin has $14 billion for testing and tracing that they haven’t spent. But President Trump thinks the right move is to pull federal support for testing out of hotspot areas!?”
Giroir explained the administrations decision in a statement:
“The HHS will continue to increase testing capacity overall, and make it more accessible especially to underserved communities.
“We are transitioning 13 sites from the original now antiquated program to the more efficient and effective testing sites outlined above.
“All 13 sites were provided an extra 30 days from the original transition date in May, and I personally spoke with Governors from all 5 states involved, and/or their leadership designees, who agreed that it was the appropriate time to transition out of the original 13 sites and into the thousands of new testing options.”