Tony's Diary Package — page 1028

lavirus1ericanin pre-authorization review. This ongoing partnership with FDA informs regulatory decisions, RADx investments, manufacturer designs, and government procurements. Blurb: Interagency variant task force launched to evaluate impact of variants on COVID tests Image: 1.5.21 variant tests January 20: The ACTIV Tracking Resistance and Coronavirus Evolution (TRACE) initiative launched. It is focused on identifying emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. TRACE aims to prioritize which viral variants should be studied to determine the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics, coordinate data sharing, and report results regularly to allow confident decision making by the U.S. Government, health professionals, and pharmaceutical organizations. Blurb: The ACTIV Tracking Resistance and Coronavirus Evolution (TRACE) initiative began to identify, evaluate, and report on emerging variants. Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/52129878815/in/album-72157713108522106/ February 27: FDA authorized the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. NIH supported the development of the single-shot vaccine, which does not require special refrigeration. Blurb: FDA grants EUA to Janssen COVID vaccine Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/izmir-turkey-january-17-2021-coronavirus1925271767 March 31: In collaboration with the CDC, NIH launched an innovative community health initiative called "Say Yes! COVID Test" for counties in North Carolina and Tennessee to determine if frequent self-administered COVID-19 testing can help residents reduce community transmission. Say Yes! COVID Test went on to distribute 6.8 million rapid tests that were developed with RADx support in numerous targeted areas throughout the country. Press release Blurb: NIH launched community health initiative Say Yes! COVID Test to assess frequent selftesting. Image: 3.31.20 Say Yes COVID Test April 15: NIH announced the Safe Return to School Diagnostic Testing Initiative, which awarded up to $48 million over several months to fund projects to build evidence on safely returning students, teachers, and support staff to in-person school in areas with vulnerable and underserved populations. (Additional funds issued July press release). April press release Blurb: NIH launched Safe Return to School Diagnostic Testing Initiative Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/side-view-portrait-young-africanamericanman-1967011807