Six-State Testing Agreement Paves the Way for Covid-19 Recovery

As the nation continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, a major bipartisan interstate compact among governors has been announced to expand the use of rapid point-of-care antigen tests. The six-state agreement, facilitated by The Rockefeller Foundation, aims to scale up testing production, reduce shortages, and aid in the safe reopening of states. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam are leading this effort, which may attract additional states, cities, and local governments in the coming weeks.

Key Takeaways:

• The agreement is the first interstate testing compact among governors during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The compact includes six governors—three Republicans and three Democrats—representing a total of six states.
• The initial agreement involves purchasing 500,000 tests per state, totaling three million tests, from manufacturers Becton Dickinson and Quidel.
• The compact aims to ramp up the use of rapid antigen testing to detect outbreaks more quickly and expand long-term testing in congregate settings.
• The agreement provides a platform for states to purchase tests and associated supplies in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.
• The Rockefeller Foundation stands ready to assist in facilitating financing mechanisms to support this large-scale interstate testing compact.
• The governors stated that severe shortages and delays in testing necessitated their collective action and emphasized the importance of rapid access to testing in combating Covid-19.
• The compact is expected to strengthen the response to Covid-19 and improve testing access, ultimately helping communities become safer and healthier.

Statistics:

• 500,000 tests per state will be purchased under the initial agreement, totaling three million tests.
• The manufacturers involved in the agreement are Becton Dickinson and Quidel, both of which have already received FDA clearance for their antigen tests.
• The tests deliver results in 15-20 minutes.
• The governors involved in the compact are from the following states: Maryland, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, and Virginia.
• The agreement is the result of weeks of discussions between the governors and The Rockefeller Foundation.

Sources:

• The Rockefeller Foundation: "Six-State Testing Agreement Is First Of Its Kind Among Governors During Covid-19 Pandemic"
• Maryland Governor Larry Hogan: Statement regarding the six-state testing agreement