PM Barrow Looks to Abbott Labs for an Answer to Rapid Tests

Dean Barrow

On Thursday, the United States announced that Abbott Laboratories has commenced trials for its rapid coronavirus test to determine whether it could effectively be used on asymptomatic people.  This followed an emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration for a COVID antigen test which it says will sell for five U.S. dollars and can produce results within fifteen minutes.  Today, PM Barrow says this testing method can quickly be introduced into the country; in fact, as soon as a sweep has been concluded in the Orange Walk District.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“Yesterday, as you all in the media would know, news was globally circulated about the breakthrough development of an F.D.A. clearance for the Abbott Labs Binocs Now Rapid Coronavirus Antigen test.  That test is ninety-seven point one percent sensitive, meaning that it correctly diagnoses those with infections, correctly diagnoses those that puts the Abbott rapid test right on par with the PCR regular test.  Of course, we understand that President Trump is to announce a seven hundred and fifty million U.S. dollar deal to acquire one hundred and fifty million of these tests from Abbott for use in the United States.  That sounds as though basically Abbott will be producing primarily, hopefully not exclusively for the U.S. market.  Abbott has said that it will be shipping the tests in the tens of millions next month, right here September starting next week.”