Coronavirus

2 Million COVID-19 Rapid Tests Coming to Massachusetts, Trump Administration Says

The tests arrive amid concerns about a second surge of coronavirus cases in Massachusetts.

NBC Universal, Inc.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is sending more than two million rapid COVID-19 antigen tests to Massachusetts, according to a press release by the Trump administration.

The tests, developed by Abbott, are able to provide a result in as little as 15 minutes about whether a person has the coronavirus. The test are not 100 percent accurate, but are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

More than 500,000 tests are already in Massachusetts, according to a press release by the Trump administration.

The tests will be distributed by Gov. Charlie Baker's administration, likely to schools, nursing homes, and first responders.

The tests arrive amid concerns about a second surge of coronavirus cases in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts confirmed 17 new deaths and 1,216 more coronavirus cases Monday, marking the third straight day the state has announced more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases.

Milton High School has joined the growing list of schools pivoting to fully remote learning after the number of people in quarantine has reportedly led to a staffing shortage at the school.

It was in mid-May that the Department of Public Health last reported daily cases in the thousands.

There have now been 9,657 confirmed deaths and 148,336 cases, according to DPH. The percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive, on average, has risen to 1.6%, according to the report.

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