Parson: New saliva-based COVID-19 test approved by FDA

Missouri is introducing some new technology to help combat the coronavirus.

Gov. Mike Parson said at Wednesday’s press briefing a saliva-based COVID-19 test developed at Washington University in St. Louis has been approved by the FDA. He said it could increase testing volumes and shorten the waiting time for results.

Also at the briefing, state health director Randall Williams said he disagreed with the CDC’s recent recommendation that only symptomatic people should get a test. Williams said Missourians should still seek a test if they want one, depending on guidance from their physician.