HHS releases July - December COVID-19 state testing plans

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) publicly posted the July through December COVID-19 Testing Plans from all states, territories, and localities on HHS.gov. The State Testing Plans serve as a roadmap developed in partnership with the Federal government for each jurisdiction's monthly 2020 testing strategy for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The plans include details on responding to surges in cases and reaching vulnerable populations including minorities, immunocompromised individuals and older adults.

"Testing is not just about overall numbers – it is about making sure we're testing the right people at the right time, and incorporating testing into a comprehensive plan for addressing COVID-19," said Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Brett P. Giroir, M.D. "These state plans, along with ongoing and intensive technical assistance, provided by HHS inform what level of federal support each state requires to successfully execute SARS-CoV-2 testing priorities."

Access each state's COVID-19 testing plans.

Each state plan is required to include details of critical parameters for state testing strategies, including target numbers of tests per month, as outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases (ELC) guidance document - PDF.

Teams designated by state governors have worked with subject matter experts from HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop plans that set state-specific targets for SARS-CoV-2 testing. The plans build on the extensive technical assistance that has been provided, including additional detail and specificity. Additionally, in May, the CDC awarded a total of $10.25 billion to states, territories, and localities - PDF to help implement the goals of each jurisdiction's testing plan. States, territories, and localities are expected to continue using these funds to purchase tests and related supplies, as necessary.