WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today discussed the variety of COVID-19 testing needs for different areas, including rural Kansas packing plants, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing titled, “Shark Tank: New Test for COVID-19.”

“One of the driving forces behind this coronavirus pandemic is not knowing when you have contracted the virus,” said Sen. Roberts. “I am hopeful programs like RADx discussed in the committee today will help establish tests for the varying populations who need them.

“Kansas’ numbers are rising due in part to outbreaks from employees working at the meatpacking plants in our state. These workers are performing essential services that must continue so it is crucial we come up with a solution to account for the different kind of tests needed in differing populations such as these meatpacking plants.”

The Senate HELP Committee’s hearing today was aimed at remedying the questions and concerns regarding necessary testing moving forward during the coronavirus pandemic. Francis Collins, MD, PhD, the Director of the National Institutes of Health and Gary Disbrow, PhD, the Acting Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response of the Department of Health and Human Services, were the two witnesses brought forth by the committee. 

NOTE: Video of Senator Roberts’ remarks available here.

Remarks as prepared for delivery: 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

And thank you to the witnesses for being here this morning and for your tireless work to develop tools to help fight this pandemic.

Testing rates in Kansas have largely lagged behind other states during this crisis. That has changed a bit recently, however, due to the outbreaks we’ve seen around the meatpacking plants in southwest Kansas.

I would like to hear more about how the RADx  program will prioritize different kinds of tests for different populations. I’m referring to both the types of test – such as PCR tests, serological tests, point-of-care tests, etc. – as well as the specifications of each test, such as sensitivity and specificity.

• This question is for both witnesses: how are you accounting for the different testing needs of different populations and settings?
• Do the RADx applications that are coming in specify target populations?

For example, the meatpacking employees are going to work every day right now to perform services essential to the whole country and they typically live in more rural areas.

• Do we need to develop a different kind of test for these folks as opposed to, say, people in the Kansas City area who are staying home but hoping to get back to work soon?
• And how do testing needs in the work setting differ from other settings, such as health care facilities, schools, and communities?

Dr. Collins, I appreciate in your testimony where you highlighted the need for more rapid tests. I agree that this is an essential part of identifying and treating patients, reopening our economy, and ultimately getting past this pandemic. 

• Can you talk more about the scale-up phases of rapid test development?
• As these tests are developed and validated, how quickly do you think production can scale up to reach our rural areas in addition to the hot spots?

Thank you.