Rapid,
widespread testing is considered essential to tracking and containing
the coronavirus. But 41 states fail to test widely enough to drive their
infections below a key benchmark, according to an AP analysis of
metrics developed by Harvard’s Global Health Institute.
Among
the states falling short are Texas and Georgia, which moved
aggressively last month to reopen stores, malls, barbershops and other
businesses.
As health
authorities expand testing to more people, the portion of positive
results should shrink compared with the total number of people tested.
The World Health Organization and other health researchers have said a
percentage above 10% indicates inadequate testing. South Korea, a
country praised for its rapid response, quickly pushed its positive
cases to below 3%.
Most
governors are moving ahead with unlocking their states, even in cases
where they are not meeting broad guidelines recommended by the White
House.
The
first stage of reopening in Maryland was scheduled to take effect Friday
evening, when some retail stores will be allowed to reopen and a
stay-at-home order lifted. But some of the hardest-hit parts of the
state, including the suburbs of Washington, D.C., extended restrictions
for residents and businesses.
