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Oregon governor: Coronavirus testing to 'ramp up substantially'

The lack of wide-scale testing has been a major frustration for health officials, physicians and the public.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Governor Kate Brown on Tuesday said testing for the coronavirus will increase within the next few weeks. The additional tests will be made available by the federal government and a private provider.

“We are expecting testing capacity to ramp up substantially in the next three weeks,” said Brown during a conference call with reporters Tuesday.

The lack of wide-scale testing has been a major frustration for health officials and physicians. Oregon health officials received a limited supply of tests from the federal government. They are rationing those state kits for the sickest patients.

RELATED: Portland area hospitals expect to see surge of COVID-19 patients in next 1-2 weeks

Currently, testing is limited to approximately 80 tests per day at the Oregon State Public Health Lab.

Governor Brown said the White House has promised to deliver 1 million tests nationwide starting next week. The feds will provide 2 million tests nationwide the following week and 5 million tests in three weeks. It is not clear how many tests Oregon will be allocated.

RELATED: Oregon coronavirus real-time updates: Multnomah County to announce eviction moratorium

On Tuesday, Oregon Health Authority reported 920 people had been tested for COVID-19, compared to 12,400 in Washington.

At least 12 states are offering drive-thru testing, where patients don’t need to leave their vehicle to be tested.

Governor Brown said health officials are considering offering drive-thu testing when capacity expands.

“I’m not very interested in people sitting in a three-hour line, so we want to make sure we do this right,” said Brown.

   

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