COVID-19 testing is essential to a targeted public health approach for informing clinical care and reducing spread
of the virus until a vaccine is available. Current testing capacity is notably insufficient to meet these demands, and
limited supply istypically prioritized for people with symptoms, health care workers, first responders and vulnerable
populations. Experts anticipate additional diagnostic testing options to be widely available in the next several
months, supplementing increasing laboratory testing capacity. But lack of widespread access to accurate testing is
the greatest limiting factor in relaxing social distancing restrictions.
This memo provides current information regarding COVID-19 testing and test capacity and strategies governors
may consider as they work to increase that capacity in their states for both short-term and long-term needs.
Note: This document is an update to NGA’s March 26 memo on testing, which provided comprehensive historical information.
State Actions Enhancing COVID-19 Testing
This chart provides an overview of notable state actions to address COVID-19 testing. Please note that state testing plans submitted to HHS for May and June 2020 may be found on the HHS website here.
All NGA COVID-19 memos can be found here, or visit COVID-19: What You Need To Know for current information on actions States/Territories are taking to address the COVID-19 pandemic; as well as advocacy, policy, and guidance documents for protecting public health and the economy.
