Labs that conduct coronavirus testing now need to provide additional information to the Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose is to better monitor disease incidence and ultimately target at-risk populations, such as the elderly, as the country begins to reopen, administration officials said.
“High-quality data is at the core of any effective public health response, and standardized, comprehensive reporting of testing information will give our public health experts better data to guide decisions at all levels throughout the crisis,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar, who expressed the administration’s concern that COVID-19 “is having a disproportionate impact on certain demographics, including racial minorities and older Americans.”
Labs now must report demographic data, such as race ethnicity, age and sex. This information “will enable us to ensure that all groups have equitable access to testing, and allow us to accurately determine the burden of infection on vulnerable groups,” said Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D., HHS assistant secretary for health. “With these data, we will be able to improve decision-making and better prevent or mitigate further illnesses among Americans.”
