University of Illinois Develops New COVID-19 Test

A faster and cheaper coronavirus test developed at the University of Illinois has been given FDA approval, opening the door for the potential use across the state and the country. Governor J.B. Pritzker calls the saliva test a “game changer” in the fight against COVID-19. It’s already in use on U of I campuses for faculty, staff and students. Professor Marty Burke, who helped develop the test, says the goal is to make it available to other colleges, local schools and more.Testing is seen as the key to controlling the spread of the virus.  Once people know they have tested positive, they can be isolated. U of I and state officials warn the test is NO substitute for prevention efforts such as social distancing, washing hands and wearing masks.