New Testing Targeting COVID Variants

U-T Southwestern has developed a new test to identify variants of COVID-19. They’re calling it Covarscan. It’s a rapid COVID test that can successfully differentiate all current virus variants. Getting that information can take days or weeks with other tests. Researchers say having details about a patient’s variant can influence their decision on treatment options and help them track the spread of variants within the community. The doctor leading the research team plans to develop the technology into a commercially-available test and apply for a patent. In addition, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is providing more than $317 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits for July. They expect the allotments to help more than 1.5 million Texas households. All SNAP households will receive a minimum of $95 in emergency allotments, which will appear in recipients’ accounts by the end of the month.