Top 5 Takeaways

1. Massive Testing Effort: The CBTS program conducted over 11.6 million SARS-CoV-2 tests at 8,319 locations across the U.S. and its territories from March 2020 to April 2021.
2. Testing Modalities: The program included Drive-Through Testing (3.5%), Pharmacies+ Testing (86.9%), and Surge Testing (9.7%).
3. Demographic Insights: Positive test results were highest among American Indian or Alaska Native (14.1%) and Black persons (10.4%).
4. Rapid Response: The CBTS program demonstrated the value of strong partnerships and rapid, coordinated responses in public health emergencies.
5. Program Evolution: The CBTS program transitioned into the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program, expanding its reach and capabilities.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Mark F. Miller, mark.miller2@nih.gov

Suggested Citation

Miller MF, Shi M, Motsinger-Reif A, Weinberg CR, Miller JD, Nichols E. Community-Based Testing Sites for SARS-CoV-2 — United States, March 2020–November 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1706–1711. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7049a3

Summary

The CBTS program, initiated by a White House Joint Task Force and co-led by HHS and FEMA, conducted over 11.6 million SARS-CoV-2 tests at 8,319 locations across the U.S. from March 2020 to April 2021. The program included Drive-Through Testing, Pharmacies+ Testing, and Surge Testing, with the majority of tests administered through Pharmacies+ Testing. Positive test results were highest among American Indian or Alaska Native and Black persons. The program demonstrated the importance of strong partnerships and rapid, coordinated responses in public health emergencies.

Methods

The CBTS program utilized three testing modalities: Drive-Through Testing, Pharmacies+ Testing, and Surge Testing. Data were collected through the COVIDResponder platform, supported by FEMA and HHS, which provided a secure central data repository. The program primarily used nucleic acid amplification tests and adapted its operations to meet community needs. Statistical testing was not performed due to the large number of tests conducted.

Discussion

The CBTS program provided a model for geographically diverse, national, community-centered testing facilities. It demonstrated the value of cross-sector partnerships and collaboration in aligning resources and technical capabilities. The program’s success in rapidly establishing testing sites and providing no-charge diagnostic testing highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in public health responses. The CBTS program’s transition into the ICATT program expanded its reach and capabilities, supporting school openings and testing at crowded public events.

Conclusion

The CBTS program’s successful partnerships and adaptability serve as a model for current and future community-based screening, surveillance, and disease control programs. Efforts should continue to improve the reach of community-based testing in communities most at risk. The program’s broad geographic reach and rapid response capabilities highlight the importance of strong partnerships in public health emergencies.

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