Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Daily Roundup August 24, 2020

FDA News Release

• For Immediate Release: August 24, 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the following actions taken in its ongoing response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Today, the FDA has taken steps to encourage the development of SARS-CoV-2 tests. The FDA posted a new webpage that provides an overview of available resources related to SARS-CoV-2 screening testing and testing using pooled samples.
• Testing updates:
  • To date, the FDA has currently authorized 221 tests under EUAs; these include 179 molecular tests, 39 antibody tests, and 3 antigen tests.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.