Detroit Leads Nation With Rapid Five-Minute COVID-19 Test Deployment
Detroit becomes the first US city to deploy Abbott Labs' five-minute COVID-19 test, prioritizing local first responders. The mayor secures the machines directly to combat the city's severe outbreak.
Detroit is the first city in the nation to deploy Abbott Labs' five-minute COVID-19 test, with Mayor Mike Duggan making the announcement on national television. The city receives the tests on April 1 and makes them available to first responders within 24 hours. This compact, lab-in-a-box system receives emergency clearance from the FDA, allowing for much faster results compared to traditional testing methods.
The rapid deployment comes as Detroit faces a devastating surge in coronavirus cases, with the surrounding counties accounting for 81% of Michigan's infections. Over 20% of the city's police force is currently quarantined with suspected cases of the virus. This urgent local crisis prompts the mayor to bypass traditional channels to acquire the testing equipment.
Mayor Duggan personally secures the testing machines by calling Abbott Labs' outgoing CEO directly on a Sunday morning. This bold move nets the city five machines and 5,000 tests. Meanwhile, Abbott Labs plans to produce 5 million tests in April and rolls out the rapid system to urgent care facilities across the United States.