Widespread Coronavirus Testing Would Be Funded Under PA Bill

HARRISBURG, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health would have greater financial capabilities to provide for ramped-up coronanvirus testing and contact tracing under a bill being introduced in the state House.

State Rep. Dan Frankel, the Pittsburgh Democrat who is sponsoring the measure, said it will provide for "reinvestment in the state's health care capabilities" to enable testing and case investigations similar to efforts in other states and nations.

“In order to relax our social distancing measures, we must efficiently and effectively isolate and treat people with the virus,” Frankel said. in a release. “This requires a robust system of testing, case investigation and contact tracing. We cannot let our defenses down and negate our hard work and sacrifice for the last month. We must protect ourselves from a second wave of infection."

Frankel noted that Pennsylvania in recent years has cut funding for public health programs. Massachusetts, in contrast, had funding in place to recently hire a thousand contact tracers to help contain the virus.

"Pennsylvanians want to leave their homes and rebuild their vibrant communities, but we cannot do that if it’s still unsafe to go to work, or into businesses," Frankel said. "It’s time to invest now, so that we can ensure a strong foundation to rebuilding.”