SPARKS, Md. — Maryland will be the first of 10 states enjoined in a "Bipartisan Interstate" pact, to acquire a quarter-million rapid-response COVID-19 tests.
The initiative is financially backed by the Rockefeller Foundation.
Manufactured by New Jersey based Becton, Dickinson and Company, the FDA approved tests are said to deliver results within 20 minutes.
Governor Larry Hogan and Dr. Rajiv Shah of the Rockefeller Foundation, made the announcement Thursday at the company's Sparks office in Baltimore County.
The plan is to distribute the tests to nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, correctional and juvenile detention centers, and possibly colleges across the state.
Other states participating include, Arkansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Ohio, Utah, and Virginia.
Maryland on Thursday also announced a $1.5 million effort to promote vaccinations for the upcoming flu season and also COVID-19, if and when one becomes available.
Called the "Maryland Partnership for Prevention," the project aims to support local health departments and Federally Qualified Health Centers with technology, staffing and logistical support through PrepMod, a new online source used to schedule clinics, track equipment needs and report vaccination activity.
Funding is being provided by a Pfizer Foundation grant, which is one of the leading groups studying trials for a COVID-19 vaccination.
