WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today called for widespread COVID-19 testing during a media update hosted by The University of Kansas Health System. Sen. Moran was joined by Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Dr. Lee Norman, The University of Kansas Health System Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control Dr. Dana Hawkinson and health system Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Stites.

“Widespread testing is one of the most important factors in how we can safely get our lives back to normal and businesses can start to reopen,” said Sen. Moran. “I have spoken directly with President Trump and a number of my colleagues in the Senate regarding testing, and I will continue to do everything I can to get more people tested in Kansas and across the country as a member of the White House Economic Recovery Task Force. For our economy to recover, we need widespread testing so Americans can feel secure in their health and safely return to work.”

“Currently, Kansas has fewer tests than many other states,” continued Sen. Moran. “Dr. Stites is right when he noted the highest priority is someplace other than Kansas because of the death and hospitalization rates. This is also a testament to Kansans for their efforts to stay home, protect their neighbors and not rapidly spread this disease. However, getting more people tested in Kansas will continue to be a high priority for me. It is important for everyone to know that our healthcare and economy are linked in our effort to reopen the country.”

The University of Kansas Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Stites echoed Sen. Moran’s comments on the need for increased testing.

“One of the things that has happened because of limited testing…is that we had to limit testing to patients admitted to the hospital as a person under investigation, a patient in a high-risk disease category, or health care workers with possible symptoms,” said Dr. Stites. “As we get more testing availability, then we will be able to loosen those criteria and test a lot more frequently. That is really important for us to understand how the disease is acting in the public and what we need to do. I have lots of appreciation for Sen. Moran’s support and him working so hard to get more testing.”

Watch the full media update at The University of Kansas Health System here.

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