NPR: testing

Five years since COVID, Louisiana's readers are thriving. This is their secret.

Jonaki Mehta — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:34:40 -0400

In 2019, Louisiana's fourth graders ranked 50th in the country for reading. Now, they're 16th. Here's how the state, and one rural district, pulled it off.

(Image credit: Mhari Shaw)

Trump suspends the head of 'The Nation's Report Card'

Elissa Nadworny — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:50:24 -0500

Peggy Carr, a federal official who leads one of the country's most extensive student testing programs, known as The Nation's Report Card, was placed on administrative leave.

(Image credit: Alex Brandon)

Why China's 'zero COVID' policy is finally faltering

Michaeleen Doucleff — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:08:00 -0500

For nearly three years, China has enforced incredibly strict rules to keep coronavirus transmission in check. But now they're facing a potentially deadly omicron surge.

Coronavirus FAQ: Should I go to that party? What do I do if guests got COVID?

Fran Kritz — Fri, 06 May 2022 18:23:48 -0400

Whether it's a wedding, graduation or meeting, indoor events can spread the virus. Here's a complete guide: what to ponder before going, how to cut risks while there, what to do if cases crop up.

(Image credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)

A new federal website aims to solve a key COVID problem: where to get antiviral pills

Tamara Keith — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 07:01:20 -0400

The new government website includes a locator tool for more than 2,000 sites to access "test to treat" services for COVID. It's meant to be a one-stop shop for Americans' pandemic needs.

(Image credit: Stefani Reynolds)

FDA Authorizes 2 Rapid, At-Home Coronavirus Tests

Jaclyn Diaz — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 04:37:00 -0400

The Food and Drug Administration says Abbott's BinaxNOW test and Quidel's QuickVue can be sold without a prescription.

Itching To Travel? Preflight Coronavirus Tests Are Getting Passengers In The Air

David Schaper — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 12:52:04 -0400

In hopes of jumpstarting a business decimated by the pandemic, airlines and airports are offering preflight, on-the-spot testing for the coronavirus, with some test results back in 15 minutes.

(Image credit: Danny Valentine)

Can Military Academies Serve As A Road Map For Reopening Colleges?

Sequoia Carrillo — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0400

Mandatory masks, strict discipline and rigorous testing have helped the academies, including West Point and Annapolis, welcome students back to campus. Can other schools learn from their example?

Pro Sports Are Returning. Their COVID-19 Testing Is Top Notch, But Is It Ethical?

Tom Goldman — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 07:01:02 -0400

The NBA and Major League Soccer are getting underway in their 'protective' bubbles near Orlando. They get regular COVID-19 tests and quick results. But that's not the case for regular Floridians.

(Image credit: Michael Reaves)

Nearly Every Major League Baseball Team Has Had A Coronavirus Test Come Back Positive

Merrit Kennedy — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 15:21:53 -0400

So far, 71 players have tested positive for the coronavirus, the MLB said on Friday. "I'm actually kind of pleased it's as low as that," the league's medical director says.