Thread by @APHL

There has been a lot of #COVID19 testing news this week. It has been moving quickly which makes it hard for us to keep up and provide you with accurate info. We are going to do our best to explain as much as we can in this thread. #coronavirus 1/

APHL has been working very closely w/our members (state and local public health laboratories), @CDCgov & @US_FDA to address #coronavirus testing challenges and to enable the 100+ public health labs around the US to begin testing #COVID19 2/

On Mon APHL sent a letter to @US_FDA asking for enforcement discretion to allow state & local public health labs the ability to create/implement a laboratory developed test (LDT) for the detection of SARS-CoV-1 (#COVID-19). #coronavirus 3/

Important note: @US_FDA and @CDCgov are APHL’s most valuable partners. This letter was not adversarial – it was an effort to move the public health response forward. We are all working together not in opposition. #COVID19 #coronavirus 4/

On Wed @US_FDA responded with openness. APHL, @CDCgov, FDA & public health lab staff spent much of the afternoon on calls discussing a new testing strategy for this response and ways to use APHL’s suggestions in future responses. #COVID19 #coronavirus 5/

As of now: @CDCgov & @US_FDA developed a new protocol using 2 of 3 components of original test kit. Many public health labs are able to use the original kit w/out problem component to begin testing as soon as this week. #COVID19 #coronavirus 6/

Soon ~40 public health labs could begin testing w/existing kits (w/o problem component). If they have problems w/the 2 current components @CDCgov has developed add’l kits that being evaluated and could be sent out #COVID19 #coronavirus 7/

The current focus is on #COVID19 #coronavirus response. We are also always thinking of improving future responses. APHL, @US_FDA & @CDCgov have started discussing using common approaches under an EUA to expedite testing in our member state & local labs. 8/

We are constantly impressed & motivated by the dedication of our colleagues at @CDCgov, @US_FDA and mostly our member lab staff. These aren’t just government agencies. They are passionate people who are fighting to protect the public’s health. #COVID19 9/

APHL staff have spoken to many reporters and welcome the opportunity for more interviews. In order to get even more testing info to you, we will share published stories as we are able. #COVID19 #coronavirus 10/

Thanks to everyone who has supported this response by sharing accurate science-based information. Keep fighting the good fight against this virus! #COVID19 #coronavirus 11/11