Situation Report

Scientists underestimated the coronavirus — and are racing to keep up with evolution For most of 2020, scientists weren't very concerned that the coronavirus would evolve. But in a few short months, variants of the virus have become a global preoccupation -- and a potential threat to vaccines. Carolyn Y. Johnson Washington Post

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Biden team plots the country’s first national Covid testing strategy The widespread testing envisioned by the Biden program is sorely needed to help bring the pandemic to an end. YahooNews

The Biden administration is preparing to launch the first of several Covid-19 testing hubs to coordinate and oversee a $650 million expansion of testing in K-8 schools and congregate settings like homeless shelters.

FDA authorizes new test to detect past Covid-19 infections The T-Detect COVID test, developed by Adapative Biotechnologies with help from Microsoft, was built with machine learning. Katie Palmer STAT

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency authorization for a new test to detect Covid-19 infections — one that stands apart from the hundreds already authorized.