HHS said Sept. 28 that the federal government will begin distributing millions of Abbott's rapid COVID-19 tests to states this week. Governors are allowed to use the tests as they see fit, but HHS is encouraging them to prioritize schools.
White House officials said at a Rose Garden event that 6.5 million tests will be distributed this week, with a total of 100 million in the next several weeks, according to CNN.
HHS said Sept. 2 that it had ordered 150 million tests from Abbott and that the overwhelming majority would be used to reopen schools. The agency awarded Abbott a $760 million contract Aug. 27 to make the tests.
Some of the tests will also go to assisted living facilities, HHS said.
Abbott's test is the first that doesn't require a lab and can deliver results in 15 minutes.
Read the agency's full news release here.