Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is investing $100 million in health care efforts that aim to address the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. The funds would help the National Special Pathogen System apply a response infrastructure previously used to address the Ebola virus, HHS said Tuesday.

The National Special Pathogen System leverages regional treatment centers, hospital associations and the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center that holds a range of pathogen treatment resources.

The effort will also receive help from participants of the HHS Hospital Preparedness Program that awards grants to support public health systems.

“We cannot beat the COVID-19 pandemic without getting America’s healthcare workers the training and resources they need to respond to this novel threat, and these funds secured from Congress by President Trump will help make that happen,” said Alex Azar, HHS secretary.

HHS pursues the effort in compliance with the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020.

PerkinElmer has announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Company’s New Coronavirus RT-PCR test.

“Despite the challenging environment, our employees have demonstrated unwavering commitment over the past two months to combat this global pandemic,” said Prahlad Singh, president and chief executive officer, PerkinElmer. “The breadth of PerkinElmer’s total workflow solution puts us in a unique position to rapidly address the needs of our clinical diagnostics customers.”

PerkinElmer’s RT-PCR test is marketed as an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device by meeting the requirements of the European In Vitro Diagnostic Directive (IVDD) and is available in over 30 countries worldwide. Clinical laboratories certified under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) can immediately begin using this kit to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

FDA has also announced that it has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating medical countermeasures to treat and prevent the disease and surveilling the medical product and food supply chains for potential shortages or disruptions and helping to mitigate impacts.

“President Trump’s aggressive response and bold actions to keep Americans safe from COVID-19 bought us precious time to advance therapeutics and other necessary tools,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar.

President Trump has directed the FDA to continue its work with the public and private sector to provide safe and effective drugs to patients, including those infected with COVID-19. The FDA has been working closely with other government agencies and academic centers that have investigated the use of the drug chloroquine to determine whether it can be used to treat patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.

If the drug is approved, it could potentially reduce the duration of symptoms, as well as viral shedding, which can help prevent the spread of disease. Studies are underway to determine the efficacy in using chloroquine to treat COVID-19.

About PerkinElmer

PerkinElmer enables scientists, researchers and clinicians to address their most critical challenges across science and healthcare. With a mission focused on innovating for a healthier world, we deliver unique solutions to serve the diagnostics, life sciences, food and applied markets. We strategically partner with customers to enable earlier and more accurate insights supported by deep market knowledge and technical expertise.

Our dedicated team of about 13,000 employees worldwide is passionate about helping customers work to create healthier families, improve the quality of life, and sustain the wellbeing and longevity of people globally. The Company reported revenue of approximately $2.9 billion in 2019, serves customers in 190 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 index.

Maximus has announced its response to COVID-19 pandemic and has suspended fiscal 2020 guidance on Wednesday, including its ability to execute business operations, strategies, and initiatives over the expected time frame, is uncertain and will depend on future developments.

“Our primary objectives are to protect our employees and their families, take responsible action to stop the virus from spreading further, and ensure global business continuity as required by our government clients to help vulnerable citizens… I’m personally committed to looking out for the safety of our employees and the citizens we serve as we work through this together,” said Bruce Caswell, Chief Executive Officer of Maximus and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient.

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Maximus employees, the company has will ensure citizens continue to have access to the most essential programs. The Company has implemented Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for social distancing and increased sanitizing schedules.

Maximus also implemented a standard protocol if an employee tests positive for COVID-19, including suspending operations and implementing the approved sanitation measures for disinfection and cleaning in accordance with the CDC.

The Company will perform a tracing and notify other staff members that were in contact with the individual and advise them to self-quarantine for 14 days. Maximus has also systematically moved employees to work from home, in partnership with its government clients for whom this is a new model.

The Company has implemented its effort amidst constraints and shortages in the IT equipment supply chain that many companies are facing due to unprecedented demand. Equipment such as laptops and headsets are necessary tools for customer service representatives to conduct business at home.

“MAXIMUS employees are vital in serving the most disadvantaged populations who now face even greater challenges during this crisis. Through their commitment, perseverance, and unparalleled customer service, our employees are delivering essential services to those most in need,” stated Caswell.

About Maximus 

Since 1975, MAXIMUS has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People®, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs.

MAXIMUS delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With more than 30,000 employees worldwide, MAXIMUS is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.