For Immediate Release:

March 20, 2020
Statement From:
Commissioner of Food and Drugs - Food and Drug Administration
Stephen M. Hahn M.D.
Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs - Office of Regulatory Affairs
Judith A. McMeekin Pharm.D.

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

Pleasanton council votes 2-2 on RNR, budget

thumb

The Pleasanton City Council met on Monday, Sept. 15, and began the meeting with a hearing on the revenue neutral rate (RNR) followed by the budget hearing. With no one in the audience coming forward to speak on either, the hearings were opened and closed without incident and... [More]

Mine Creek Battlefield bridge ribbon cutting this weekend

thumb

JLHS sophomore Aron Coleman is not new to community projects; this time he’s completed a bridge for his Eagle Scout badge so those using trails at Mine Creek Battlefield can traverse from one side of Mine Creek to the other. The ribbon cutting commemorating the new bridge... [More]

USD 346 to exceed RNR; approves budget

thumb

During the revenue neutral hearing and the budget hearing for the district on Sept. 8, the USD 346 Board of Education voted to approve the superintendents’ recommendation to exceed revenue neutral with a proposed mill rate of 54.144.  The board then approved the... [More]

More News

SPORTS

Wade and Schneider start impressive girls’ golf season for the Buffalos and Hawks

thumb

Both the Prairie View and Jayhawk Linn girls’ golf teams competed at Fort Scott and Pittsburg this past week. The teams traveled to Fort Scott on Sept. 9 to compete in the Fort Scott Invitational and then to Pittsburg on Sept. 11 to compete in the Colgan Invitational. ... [More]

Turnovers and other mistakes see Hawks fall at Anderson County 27-6

thumb

The Jayhawk Linn football team hosted Anderson County on Sept. 12 for their first “home” game of the season. Anderson County is class 3A in football compared to Jayhawk’s 1A and is the Pioneer League so the Hawks had their work cut out for them. Jayhawk played... [More]

Prairie View girls’ cross country leads the Buffalos at Fort Scott

thumb

The Prairie View girls’ cross-country team traveled to Fort Scott for the Fort Scott Invitational on Sept. 11. The Buffalos performed well at the meet on both the girls’ and boys’ side. The girls in particular performed well as the 7th grade girls got 1st... [More]

More Sports

COMMUNITY

Mine Creek Heritage Day this Saturday

thumb

The Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site, located at 20485 Kansas Highway 52, just outside of Pleasanton, will host their annual Heritage Day this coming Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities for the day will include demonstrations of infantry, cavalry... [More]

Blood Drive: The Battle of the Badges

thumb

A community blood drive has been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hall located at 729 W. Main Street. The event is being hailed as the Battle of the Badges though anyone and everyone who is able to donate is asked to do... [More]

Parker Days set for Sept. 20

thumb

This year’s annual Parker Days event is set for Saturday, Sept. 20 and the theme for the event is “Sunshine and Smiles.” The event kicks off on Friday evening with the Mason’s Fish Fry, a free-will donation dinner, at 5 p.m. at the Mason’s Building. ... [More]

More Community

PLEASANTON WEATHER

Today's e-Edition

View Legals for Free