Reps. Greg Stanton, Ruben Gallego push for more coronavirus testing
Jul 7, 2020, 5:55 AM
(Getty Images/ Chris McGrath)
(Getty Images/ Chris McGrath)
PHOENIX — In separate statements on Monday, U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton and Ruben Gallego both called for an increase in coronavirus testing in Arizona.
In addition to calling for funds from the federal coronavirus relief bill to expand laboratory testing capacity and reduce the time it takes for test feedback, Stanton encouraged state leaders to implement a statewide contact tracing plan and a statewide face mask mandate, according to a press release.
“Our state is in crisis,” Stanton said in the release.
“Bold leadership—and urgent action—is necessary to keep Arizonans safe. These three steps are not exhaustive but can easily be accomplished and are essential to put our state on the right path.”
In a release, Gallego highlighted the need for additional testing in Phoenix after praising Walgreens for opening a new testing site at 705 E. McDowell Road.
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“I am pleased to have partnered with Walgreens to bring another COVID-19 testing location to Phoenix, given the massive demand in my district,” he said.
“This location is accessible, centrally located, and will help serve minority and low-income families in the city. I sincerely appreciate Walgreens getting new COVID-19 testing capacity up and running as we work to contain the spread of the virus.”
Stanton and Gallego’s statements came the same day Arizona surpassed 100,000 total coronavirus cases.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego on Monday also called for increased testing, but stated that such efforts ought to be supported by the federal government.
Gallego CNN’s The Situation Room that when she has asked the federal government for help, the response has been that agencies intend to move away from community-based testing sites.
