China News Service, August 24, reported that with the rapid spread of the Delta strain in the United States, the number of new crown cases in the country has continued to increase sharply, and the demand for new crown testing has also increased.

However, the rapid home-based COVID-19 test kit developed by a US company, because it does not have to report a positive result, has caused concerns about the underestimation of the US epidemic.

On the other hand, as the Pfizer vaccine was fully authorized, US President Biden once again called on the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

On May 19, local time, people visited the Morgan Library and Museum in New York, USA.

New York State Governor Cuomo recently announced that starting May 19, the passenger capacity restrictions for New York State museums, movie theaters, restaurants, retail and other commercial and cultural venues have been lifted.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Wang Fan

Do not report a positive result?

Home testing may cause the epidemic to be underestimated

　　Delta strains are raging in the United States, and the demand for new crown testing has increased.

After the launch of Abbott's rapid home COVID-19 test kit, it became popular in the United States.

However, because it does not require a prescription and does not have a mechanism for reporting to health institutions, this may result in many cases of new crowns not being recorded.

　　According to reports, since Abbott's self-test kit BinaxNOW was launched in April, it is not clear how many have been sold and used.

　　Unlike the reporting requirements for tests done at COVID-19 test sites or laboratories, the US Food and Drug Administration has very loose reporting requirements for home testing.

Abbott said the company encourages customers to report test results on their own.

　　At present, newly confirmed cases are still one of the best ways to measure the epidemic. Health officials pay close attention to the data to look for signs that the current wave of epidemics is nearing its end.

　　Michael Mina, an infectious disease expert at the Harvard School of Public Health, pointed out that although home testing can help control the epidemic, the data gap may be dangerous.

Pfizer vaccine is fully approved

Biden calls for a quick vaccine

　　With the Pfizer vaccine being fully authorized in the United States, US President Biden once again called on Americans to get the new crown vaccine as soon as possible on the 23rd.

He emphasized that most of the current hospitalizations and deaths of the new crown have occurred in people who have not been vaccinated.

　　"Those who are waiting for full approval should get the vaccine now." Biden said at the White House on the 23rd.

He said that after evaluating massive amounts of clinical trial data, US regulatory agencies concluded that there is no doubt that the new crown vaccine is safe and highly effective.

　　Biden said in his speech, "If you get the vaccine completely-two doses and wait for two weeks-then your risk of getting severe COVID-19 is very, very low."

　　As of the 22nd, 51% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated.

As Pfizer vaccine is fully approved, more companies and schools are expected to introduce mandatory vaccine requirements.

Before full approval, some companies and institutions are afraid to do so, although this is not legally problematic.

　　Earlier on the 23rd, the New York City government announced that public school faculty and staff must be vaccinated.

In his speech, Biden called on other schools and companies to do the same.

"Vaccines are free, just waiting for you there, go and fight today. For yourself, but also for your family, neighbors and country." Biden appealed.