The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified in China in late 2019 and is characterized by significant mortality, morbidity, and infectiousness. In less than 8 months, COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has infected fifteen million people worldwide and caused over 600,000 deaths. Rapid testing measures are critical for identifying symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers, guiding treatment and quarantine recommendations and tracking viral spread. Testing is necessary to guide community protocols and planning, in order to reduce ongoing transmission. Rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2 is urgently needed early in the onset of infections in a community to effectively mitigate the spread of the virus. The pandemic has created an unprecedented demand for RT-PCR testing in all countries. Direct antigen-based testing for SARS-CoV-2 is an alternative to RT-PCR and is likely the only viable and cost-effective solution for the majority of low and middle income countries (LMICs). Antigen tests to detect the presence of viral proteins can be performed directly on biological samples, such as tissue swabbed from the anterior nasal cavity, oropharynx, or even directly from saliva. Antigen tests are already used to detect influenza, strep throat, and other infectious diseases. LFA antigen tests can be rapidly produced in large volumes, i.e. billions of units/year. These tests are relatively inexpensive, require limited training and are easy to administer; results are delivered in minutes. Importantly, like RT-PCR and unlike serological tests, LFA antigen tests can identify active infections.