The U.S. is considering using coronavirus tests the public can do themselves in an attempt to vastly expand access to tests, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, Politico reported.
Trump said his administration is in consultations with “several groups” to check if a “self-swab” is as accurate as the tests medical personnel currently are using and stressed he is pressing the FDA for quick approval of such tests that people can do themselves.
However, the president did not give any more details on how long he thought it would take to get such a product to the public or who are the companies producing it.
Trump explained that the new process “would free up a lot” and would be a “much easier process than the current process that's not very nice to do.”
Trump also announced that he intends to use the Defense Production Act in order to significantly boost the production of critical equipment that is in short supply by permitting the administration to direct American industry to increase production of crucial medical supplies.
Particularly needed are more ventilators and respirators to treat patients who have the coronavirus, officials said, as well as masks for health care providers.
Trump conceded that there were not enough ventilators for such a “very unforeseen” event, saying, “We have tremendous numbers of ventilators, but there's never been an instance like this, where no matter what you have, it’s not enough.”