Texas Border Business
HOUSTON, Texas – As millions of Americans file for unemployment assistance as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today urged Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar in a letter to procure and distribute serological tests from the Strategic National Stockpile to help determine whether an individual has previously contracted and recovered from the coronavirus and enable more Americans to safely return to work.
In the letter, Sen. Cruz wrote:
“As you know, serological tests analyze a blood sample for the presence of antibodies to the coronavirus, and a positive test result usually means the patient contracted coronavirus previously and is recovering or has recovered from the virus.
“Without a sufficient level of serological tests, we cannot understand the full scope of the coronavirus pandemic, and we cannot identify if and when parts of the country approach herd immunity. Only once we identify coronavirus survivors can they donate blood to be used in studies and potential cures involving convalescent plasma therapy. Put simply, without serological tests, it will be exceedingly difficult for individuals and government officials to determine how best to respond to the pandemic.”
He added:
“America’s recovery from this virus depends on citizens eventually returning to work—once it is safe. Serological testing is a critical way to quickly and accurately assess coronavirus risk. HHS should use its existing authority and funding under the CARES Act to purchase these tests to accelerate their production and distribution around the country.”
The letter may be viewed here and below.
