Detroit Regional Chamber > Gov. Whitmer Among Governors from 6 States Announcing Bipartisan Interstate Compact for 3M Rapid Antigen Tests

Gov. Whitmer Among Governors from 6 States Announcing Bipartisan Interstate Compact for 3M Rapid Antigen Tests

August 4, 2020
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer along with Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan; Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards; Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker; Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine; and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced today a bipartisan interstate compact with the Rockefeller Foundation to expand the use of rapid point-of-care antigen tests. More states are expected to join this first-of-its-kind compact in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming weeks as they face shortages and testing delays.

This joint effort is intended to demonstrate to private manufacturers significant demand warranting increased production of these tests, which provide results in just 15-20 minutes. Discussions are underway with Becton Dickinson and Quidel – a U.S. manufacturer of FDA-authorized antigen tests – to purchase 500,000 tests per state, totaling three million.

The states are working to ramp up the use of rapid antigen testing to detect outbreaks better and more quickly, expanding long-term testing in schools, workplaces, and nursing homes. The interstate cooperative purchasing agreement offers a platform for purchasing tests and testing supplies in a cost-effecting and more sustainable manner.

“This bipartisan partnership will help us protect our families, the heroes on the front lines of this crisis, small businesses, and our most vulnerable communities,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Widespread testing is one of the most crucial tools we have to stop the spread of this virus and save lives. I’m proud of the bipartisan work governors across the state have done to protect our regions from COVID-19. I’m hopeful that the president and Congress will follow our lead and work together on a recovery package that includes support for states like ours so we can continue to protect our families.”

View the full press release issued by the Governor’s office.