Foster encouraged by coronavirus antibody testing availability
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.