Biden White House Administration strikes $230 million deal for at home Coronavirus testing kits

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COVID at home testing kit

The newly elected Biden administration, along with the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Defenses, have struck a $230 million deal with Australian company Ellume, for millions of their at home, over the counter COVID-19 testing kits.

 

The department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense, who helped land the deal, have promised 100,000 kits starting this month

 

Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Andy Slavitt said “Making easier-to-use tests available to every American is a high priority with obvious benefits.” According to U.S news.

 

The Food and Drug Administration had initially granted use authorization for the testing kits in December, but were not exactly sure how accurate it was. The test, even though it is a bit lower than regular tests, have a 95% accuracy rate.

 

“This level of accuracy across both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals is crucial in mitigating the spread of an infectious disease like COVID-19,  which can be spread unknowingly.” Ellume said in December, U.S news claims.

 

However, critics say that the Biden administration is to “costly and complex” according to Stat News

 

“A waste of money” critics say, according to stat news.

 

“We certainly would like to see this priced in the $30 range, but it will definitely start at more than that.” Ellume CEO Sean Parsons said.