Tell HN: Put all effort into mass testing to stop Covid-19
I have been thinking what could be an effective strategy to avoid wider outbreak without throwing a huge wrench into economic gears.
It appears that we can't necessarily expect an effective treatment or a vaccine soon. This would be possibly the most effective solution.
Another solution that has been currently implemented is a widespread quarantine. It does not appear to be fully effective and will cause huge economical cost. The last point makes the deciders to hesitate when considering this option. I am really concerned that the world economy may become halt because of wider implementation of quarantines. Imagine the world when everything is on short supply. The effect to the monetary system would be devastating.
I thought about other possible solutions today in reflection of recent outbreak in Italy and realized that what is missed is more up to date data about the spread of the virus. Currently we are only reacting and we are reacting too late.
We already have a test to verify the presence of the Covid-19. I think what we actually need to effectively fight against it is a mass implementation of self testing kits among the all populace that must be used daily to report back the results.
First effect of this is reduction of fear and the second effect is the possibility to respond more rapidly to smaller outbreaks to avoid wider silent spread.
In principle the kit does not even have to detect Covid-19 directly but only if there is a viral infection or not. Then the specific case could be handled by a medical team to more precisely analyze the situation.
I believe that national states should put their full economic strength into implementing this solution because this will save lives and will keep the society functioning.