Submitted by Senator Rob Portman.
U.S. Senator Rob Portman announced that Ohio will receive $238 million to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing capabilities. This $238 million represents Ohio’s allocation of the $11 billion for building state testing capacity from the most recent rescue package’s $25 billion for expanding overall testing and contact tracing in the U.S., which Portman supported. Portman released the following statement:
“Increased testing is absolutely critical as Ohio begins the gradual process of reopening safely according to Governor DeWine’s plan. Testing is key not only because it helps us know where the disease is and how it may be spreading, but also because as Ohioans continue to see the number of new cases decline, they will have greater confidence to begin to return to their normal lives in an incremental and safe manner. I’m pleased that President Trump is sending Ohio these additional funds to help expand diagnostic testing. Governor DeWine has outlined his plan to increase testing by 600 percent, and these funds will help make that a reality.”