2 new tests can rapidly detect flu, COVID-19
Two new tests will be able to detect COVID-19 and other winter viruses – including the flu – in just 90 minutes, the British Department of Health and Social Care said Monday. Millions of the rapid tests will be brought to British hospitals, care homes and laboratories starting next week, the department said.
“We’re using the most innovative technologies available to tackle coronavirus,” British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in a statement. “Millions of new rapid coronavirus tests will provide on-the-spot results in under 90 minutes, helping us to break chains of transmission quickly.”
Up to 450,000 of the first new test – 90-minute LamPORE swab tests – will be available starting next week, supplied by Oxford Nanopore.
In September, the second test – which uses DNA to detect the virus – will be rolled out with 5,000 DNA machines, supplied by DnaNudge, to provide 5.8 million tests in the coming months.
Latest US numbers
Five states set records for deaths in the week ending Sunday: Arkansas, California, Georgia, Idaho and Montana, and also Puerto Rico, a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data found. No state records for new cases were set.
The U.S. has recorded more than 155,000 deaths and 4.7 million cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, there have been about 690,000 deaths and more than 18 million cases.
COVID-19 drug in Phase 3 trial
Eli Lilly announced Monday it’s working on a Phase 3 trial to study whether its candidate antibody can prevent spread of the virus among staff and residents at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The study will enroll 2,400 residents and staff who live or work at these facilities who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are now at high risk of exposure.
The U.S. drugmaker will test whether a single dose of LY-CoV555, a treatment option developed in conjunction with Canadian biotech, reduces the rate of infection over four weeks as well as complications of COVID-19 over eight weeks.
Mich. GOP senator tests positive
A Republican state senator who sponsored a bill to limit the emergency powers Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has used to address the pandemic has tested positive for the coronavirus. State Sen.
Tom Barrett said in a statement Sunday that said he does not have “any significant symptoms” and will be selfisolating. Barrett sponsored a bill to repeal the 1945 law Whitmer has used to maintain a state of emergency, which allows her to restrict business operations and require masks in public.
The senator told the Detroit Free Press his test result doesn’t change his stance on how Whitmer has handled the pandemic. He said he has been “pretty rigid” about wearing a mask in enclosed public places.
In Florida, GOP state Rep. Randy Fine was hospitalized Sunday due to lung damage from COVID-19.
Delta passengers refuse masks
After two travelers refused to wear face masks, a Delta flight to Atlanta from Detroit on Thursday had to turn around and head back to the gate.
According to a Delta statement, the plane “returned to the gate following two customers who were non-compliant with crew instructions. After a short delay, the aircraft departed to Atlanta.”
Masks or appropriate coverings are required for customers and employees of Delta. The rule applies on aircraft, at lobby check-in, in Delta Sky Clubs, in boarding gate areas and on jet bridges.