Some states in the U.S. are closing virus testing sites despite fears of a new surge. | The Boston Globe

CEID Faculty Dr. Cassandra Pierre weighs in on the closure of COVID-19 testing sites:

“…Once a new surge or variant arrives and starts driving up testing demand, no rush to reopen mass testing sites, no matter how expedited, can make up for the lost time, said Cassandra Pierre, the medical director of public health programs at Boston Medical Center.

For instance, Colorado health officials have said they could reopen mass testing sites within four to five weeks. In that time, Dr. Pierre said, the peak of a surge may have already passed and left hospitals overwhelmed with severely ill patients.

Even reopening testing sites in as little as one to two weeks would not be sufficient, Dr. Pierre said.

Closing state-run sites also requires local hospitals, pharmacies and community-based groups to absorb the additional demand. Those that are already straining to serve populations most in need may not be able to do so, Dr. Pierre said…”

Read the full article here.