Newsy Investigates: What Led To The Shortage Of At-Home COVID Tests

The video discusses the scarcity and high cost of rapid COVID tests in the US compared to other countries where tests are more available and affordable. It highlights the lack of demand in the US due to public health messaging focused on vaccines, leading to a weak market unable to handle increased demand during the Delta variant surge. The US government and manufacturers are now working to increase supply, with plans to distribute free tests and ramp up production.

What is one of the main challenges faced by US consumers regarding rapid COVID tests?

• Tests are scarce and costly.

• Tests are not needed.

• Tests are inexpensive.

• Tests are too easy to find.

How does the availability of rapid COVID tests in the UK compare to the US?

• The UK does not use rapid tests.

• The UK has more tests available.

• The UK has fewer tests available.

• The UK has the same number of tests available.

What was a significant factor in the low demand for rapid COVID tests in the US?

• High demand for vaccines.

• Abundance of test supplies.

• Frequent testing encouraged by the government.

• Lack of public health messaging on testing.

What action did President Biden announce to address the rapid COVID test shortage?

• Increasing the production of rapid tests.

• Reducing the price of vaccines.

• Banning the sale of rapid tests.

• Importing tests from other countries.

Which company is building a factory in Maryland to increase home test production?

• CVS

• Amazon

• Illume

• Abbott