First at-home COVID-19 testing kit authorized by FDA
The FDA has issued the first authorization for an at-home COVID-19 test kit. LabCorp says it will give first access to healthcare workers and first responders. People who are eligible can swab their nose to collect a fluid sample, but they will still need to send it to a lab for testing. Read more.
Immigration suspended amid coronavirus
President Donald Trump said he will sign an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the U.S. during the coronavirus outbreak. An executive order will be a “temporary 120 days or so” halt on “some” work visas to mitigate some of the unemployment concerns related to the pandemic. The order is expected to include some exemptions for farm workers and healthcare providers deemed essential. Read more.
Three U.S. states moving to reopen their economies
Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are moving to reopen parts of their economies. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster allowed some stores to reopen Monday afternoon. Department stores, sporting goods stores and flea markets can now open there. They will be allowed to open at 20% capacity, or five people per 1,000 square feet. Beaches in South Carolina will reopen Tuesday. In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp said certain businesses will be allowed to reopen as early as Friday, including bowling alleys, gyms and fitness centers. In Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee said the state’s stay-at-home order will expire April 30. Most businesses in Tennessee will be allowed to reopen again May 1. Read more.
Germany carries out Europe’s first nationwide antibody testing
Germany is carrying out Europe’s first nationwide antibody testing to monitor infection rates. According to Germany’s federal disease control and prevention agency, the Robert Koch Institute, the first part of the study is to draw on the country’s blood donation services nationwide, a second phase will focus on samples from regions with large coronavirus outbreaks and a third stage will consist of a representative study of the country’s broader population. Authorities say they will examine approximately 5,000 blood samples every 14 days. Read more.
U.K. testing has reached only 20% of target
The United Kingdom has promised to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April. The country’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the commitment at the start of April amid growing criticism about a lack of testing. According to the Department of Health and Social Care in the U.K., 19,316 tests were carried out on Monday. Read more.