For weeks an all-out effort to secure enough testing kits has been a number one priority in this country. The idea was that anyone who thought they might have coronavirus could be tested. But suddenly, that strategy has changed in some areas. From The Washington Post:

“Health officials in New York, California and other hard-hit parts of the country are restricting coronavirus testing to health care workers and the severely ill, saying the battle to contain the virus is lost and the country is moving into a new phase of the pandemic response.“

Scarce supplies of masks and gowns will be used for those most in need, instead of broad public testing. The mantra is saving equipment for those who need to be hospitalized, plus doctors and nurses. Dr. Anthony Fauci made it a point at the White House briefing today.

Fauci urges people who don't have Covid-19 symptoms against seeking coronavirus testing because it uses up medical gear that is needed for people who do have symptoms pic.twitter.com/NJtw8ZUn1p — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 21, 2020

“Not every single person in the U.S. needs to get tested. When you go in and get tested, you are consuming personal protective equipment, masks and gowns — those are high priority for the health care workers who are taking care of people who have coronavirus disease.” – Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

CNN reports:

“The strategy shift essentially codifies the reality health departments have been living with for weeks; a shortage of tests and protective equipment amid rising demand and case numbers.

“It also puts into practice advice from many of America’s top medical experts, including CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta, that a positive test result is not required to treat the symptoms.