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Foster encouraged by coronavirus antibody testing availability

April 14, 2019

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster appeared encouraged last week by comments made by Dr. Anthony Fauci about the coming availability of widespread COVID-19 antibody testing being deployed.

Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said last week a large number of such tests will soon be available, according to a statement. These tests are used to detect antibodies in someone who was likely exposed to the novel coronavirus and had already recovered. A detection of antibodies means that person could be protected from getting sick again.

Foster has argued these serologic tests, will be crucial to reopening the economy and to providing "peace-of-mind" for Americans as they return to normal life.

"The administration should move swiftly to implement a nationwide serological testing program which will put us in a stronger position when we are ready to reopen our economy," Foster said in the statement.

Still, Foster also said he thought the Trump administration has taken too long to develop a plan for nationwide serological testing.

The Congressman also noted that House Democrats pushed for antibody testing to be provided at no cost in legislation passed on March 14.