The race to test and treat the coronavirus is a nationwide effort, with scientists, philanthropists, and governments across the country pouring in financial resources and expertise. But innovators and funders, such as billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates, are quickly learning their efforts can come to a screeching halt without proper federal permissions.

On May 15, the New York Times reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered a successful public-private COVID-19 testing and surveillance program to cease operations pending agency approval. There wasn’t any concern about the safety or efficacy of the tests, but rather about patients having access to their own results. This sudden FDA directive is just the latest misstep for an agency that has repeatedly dragged its feet in approving COVID-19 testing. Continued inaction and approval delays will only mean a slower reopening process and more misery for a world in wait.