Testing for the Pathogen During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Future Ones

Introduction

The United States has failed to deploy adequate testing for the presence of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 during the Covid-19 pandemic and has been unable to avoid continued spread of the virus. In this report, we explain why such testing is an essential factor in efforts to control the pandemic, why adequate testing has been difficult to achieve, and why the United States has not met the challenge. We conclude by recommending ways to provide more extensive testing in this and future epidemics.

OPCAST Ad-Hoc Pandemic Response Group

The OPCAST Ad-Hoc Pandemic Response Group is a subgroup of former members of President Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology ("OPCAST"). Members are: John P. Holdren, Christine Cassel, Christopher Chyba, Susan L. Graham, Eric S. Lander, Richard C. Levin, Ed Penhoet, William Press, Maxine Savitz, and Harold Varmus.

The members of the subgroup serve as individuals working on their own time, not as representatives of their institutions. The effort has no sponsors and no budget.