For Immediate Release:
- March 20, 2020
- Statement From:
-
Commissioner of Food and Drugs - Food and Drug AdministrationAssociate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs - Office of Regulatory Affairs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is actively and aggressively monitoring the market for any firms marketing products with fraudulent coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnostic, prevention and treatment claims as part of our ongoing efforts to protect public health during this pandemic. As a result of these activities, the agency is beginning to see unauthorized fraudulent test kits that are being marketed to test for COVID-19 in the home.
We want to alert the American public that, at this time, the FDA has not authorized any test that is available to purchase for testing yourself at home for COVID-19. The FDA sees the public health value in expanding the availability of COVID-19 testing through safe and accurate tests that may include home collection, and we are actively working with test developers in this space.
Fraudulent health claims, tests, and products can pose serious health risks. They may keep some patients from seeking care or delay necessary medical treatment. The FDA reminds consumers to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines and speak to your medical provider if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Your medical provider will advise you about whether you should get tested and the process for being tested with an appropriate test.
The FDA will take appropriate action to protect consumers from bad actors who take advantage of a crisis to deceive the public by marketing tests that pose risks to patient health. This may include issuing warning letters, seizures or injunctions. We have already identified and issued warning letters to companies found selling and promoting fraudulent items, and we expect additional such actions will be forthcoming. Additionally, we are stepping up enforcement at ports of entry, including International Mail Facilities, to ensure these fraudulent products that originate outside the country do not enter through our borders.
If you are aware of fraudulent test kits for COVID-19, please report them to the FDA. We will continue to aggressively pursue those who place the public health at risk and hold bad actors accountable.
As a reminder, the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America details simple actions we can take as individuals and families to #SlowTheSpread of coronavirus.
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
NEWS
Commissioners approve resolution on one-year moratorium on commercial solar farms

During the Nov. 27 meeting of the Linn County Commissioners, County Counselor Gary Thompson requested a 15-minute executive session for legal matters to review the resolution he had drafted, in response to and to set in place, the moratorium that was decided on by a 2-1 vote... [More]
USD 362 to seek more 4-day week info

At the direction of its board of education, Unified School District 362 administration will be seeking information from school districts now utilizing a four-day school week. Hearing at the board’s regular monthly meeting Nov. 21 that most districts using the four-day... [More]
Commissioners approve resolution for bond refinance

Joey McLiney with McLiney and Co., a division of SAMCO Capital, spoke to commissioners on Monday, Nov. 27, noting they are ready to go public on the sale of the bond refinance that was previously approved by commissioners. McLiney noted that they had been waiting to do so in... [More]
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- Commissioners vote 2-1 for one year moratorium on solar farms
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SPORTS
2023 All Linn County high school football team

The high school football season has concluded and it is time for this year’s All County high school football team. This year there were plenty of good players to choose from as all three local teams, Pleasanton, Jayhawk Linn, and Prairie View, had winning seasons. ... [More]
Miami teams split season openers

The start of the competitive basketball season is still more than a week away for the three Linn County schools, but across the Missouri state line, the Miami girls’ squad has already equaled its on-court victory total from last year. Rebuffing a Hermitage second-half... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View football has seven players make Pioneer All League
- Prairie View football ends season against Parsons
- Jayhawk 8-2 season mirrors 2022 campaign
- Prairie View routs Baxter Springs in first round of the playoffs
- Allen is 3A State runner-up
- Jays finish season, lose at bi-district
- Champlin competes at 2A State cross country
- Blu-Jays secure winning campaign
COMMUNITY
Blu Jay Winter Clothing Exchange set for Dec. 9

USD 344 will host the first ever Blu Jay Winter Clothing Exchange on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ernie Price Annex located at 309 W. 13th Street. The clothing exchange is open to anyone in need of warm winter clothes, not just USD 344 families. Those who... [More]
Maynerd’s owners start Feed Linn County initiative

Raymond and Melayna Johnson, who own and operate Maynerd’s Food Truck and 517 Vintage in Mound City, have begun an initiative to help provide food for Linn County families in need. “We just know that so many are struggling right now and if everyone would give just... [More]
Hope for Heroes: Aiding veterans in Southeast Kansas

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Centers Mental Health First Aid Department has partnered with the Veteran Access Support Team (VAST) to support Veterans in southeast Kansas. Their goal is to create 100 backpacks filled with essential items that will be distributed among the veterans... [More]
More Community
- Homelessness: A look at the legal side of the issue
- Homelessness: No longer just an urban issue
- PVHS Band receives I rating at Baker University Marching Festival
- Epps invited to speak at KASB banquet
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- Eagle Scouts complete community service projects
- Young entrepreneur opens ice cream trailer
- Ribbon cutting held for Walter Scott Brown highway commemoration