The US Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 self-testing kit, that can be used at home and gives results in 30 minutes. The single-use kit developed by California-based company Lucira Health costs $50. Authorities have given emergency use authorization for individuals older than 14 years of age and are suspected of COVID-19 by their health provider or are showing any symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Individuals can use the test with help of a self-collected nasal swab.
The swab then needs to be stirred in a vial of chemicals— the test will then reflect to be negative or positive thirty minutes later.
“While COVID-19 diagnostic tests have been authorized for at-home collection, this is the first that can be fully self-administered and provide results at home,” said Jeff Shuren, the director of the FDA's Centre for Devices and Radiological Health.
11.4 million infections have been reported in the US since February. Amid increasing cases, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a nightly curfew for businesses— the curfew will last for at least three weeks. Similar restrictions were also announced in Los Angeles County. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that capacities be reduced at several businesses, private gatherings to be limited and casinos and other indoor venues like theatres and museums must close. Pennsylvania state health authorities said masks should be worn at all indoor facilities.
