Louisiana is one of five states making a pact to expand rapid COVID-19 testing.
The state has negotiated with two U.S. manufacturers to buy half-a-million tests for the state to mitigate outbreaks more quickly.
Gov. John Bel Edwards is joining governors in Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio and Virgina in the agreement.
The Edwards administration said the purchasing agreement will allow states to buy tests and supplies in a cost effective way to help expand testing in schools, businesses and nursing homes.
“Rapid access to testing is crucial in our collective fight against COVID-19, which is why I am grateful to join these other governors in a collaborative effort to purchase testing supplies and help identify outbreaks more quickly, while improving the turnaround time for test results,” said Gov. Edwards. “COVID does not know any borders and by working together we strengthen our response, improve testing access and ultimately help our communities become safer and healthier.”
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