FDA clears new over-the-counter COVID-19 test

(CNN) — As COVID-19 cases trend up in all but three U.S. states, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized a new over-the-counter COVID-19 test, the first of its kind.

Yesterday, the agency also gave the green light to recalls in children aged 5 to 11.

In the United States, new cases of COVID-19 have more than doubled in the past month. The North East was particularly hard hit, with more than 40% of people living in a county with a “high” community level.

This means that universal interior masking is recommended.

“We still have a lot to do in terms of vaccinations, in terms of boosters, in terms of making it very clear that we have antivirals available for people, especially those who are at high risk,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director. from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said.

Testing, another weapon in the war against COVID-19, received a bump with the FDA allowing a new over-the-counter test.

Unlike any other, it uses a nasal swab sample to simultaneously test for COVID, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus.

These samples are then sent back to the tester for testing and the results are delivered through an online portal.

The test can be purchased online or in stores without a prescription.

Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that new cases of COVID-19 in American children are on the rise for the fifth week in a row.

On Tuesday, the FDA granted emergency use authorization for a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, at least five months after their first round of vaccines.

The company said a third dose of the vaccine increased anti-omicron antibodies 36-fold in this age group.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also updated guidelines for those traveling to the United States.

The agency also urged domestic travelers to get tested no later than three days before their trip, even if vaccinated and boosted.

Travelers are also urged to get tested afterwards, especially after spending time in crowds without a properly fitting mask.

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