As I understand it, there has been a problem with the efficacy of the test kits they had on hand. Which has led others to try to develop their own test kits, see story below. Once we have reliable kits and testing underway, I will be surprised if the number of cases don't dramatically escalate here in the United States.
Coronavirus test developed by New York state lab approved by FDA, a Washington Post update, 2-29-20
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Saturday that the Food and Drug Administration has approved a test for New York state’s health laboratories to use to detect the coronavirus.
Laboratories at hospitals as well as state public health laboratories have struggled in recent weeks to use tests they develop without approval from the FDA.
The U.S. response to coronavirus in recent weeks has been hampered by problems with its testing. Experts have consequently worried that the small number of U.S. cases may be a reflection of limited testing, rather than of the virus’s restricted spread.
Cuomo (D) said that he spoke in recent days to Vice President Pence, who heads the White House’s coronavirus response, and urged him to approve the test developed by New York state health officials.
With the approval New York received on Saturday, Cuomo said, state officials will begin testing immediately at Wadsworth Lab.
“This approval will expedite wait time and improve New York’s ability to more effectively manage the coronavirus situation as it unfolds,” Cuomo said.
