WASHINGTON — Men are not getting tested as much for the coronavirus as women.
Yet, when men do get tested, a higher percentage test positive for the virus.
Dr. Deborah Birx used the numbers to remind men "about the importance of health care" during a briefing Thursday at the White House.
So far, Birx says, 56% of the people tested for COVID-19 are female, and 16% of them tested positive for the virus.
But for the men, 23% tested positive.
Birx made a plea for men experiencing symptoms that could be a result of the virus to get tested, saying "we appreciate you engaging in that."
Birx serves as the White House's coronavirus response coordinator.