COVID-19 Plan
I just don't understand. Here are the facts:
1) We can't keep the economy closed forever, and every week that it is closed hurts livelihoods and just staying afloat will cost taxpayers trillions.
2) There is no guarantee that COVID-19 is seasonal or that we will have a vaccine anytime soon.
3) The virus will continue to spread (unless we completely lock up society for several weeks, which doesn't seem likely. Additionally, all international travel will have to be cancelled indefinitely).
Given those facts, there has to be a plan to reopen society that doesn't just put us in the same situation over and over again. The solution must include:
1) Testing capacity beyond anything we have ever imagined. Billions of tests, testing people constantly, giving them immediate results (testing for both the virus and antibodies).
2) Develop long-term medical capacity. Assume there will never be a vaccine.
3) Protect those most vulnerable. This will be very challenging and not all vulnerable people are old and in aging facilities. Again, have daily testing for those in danger and the people around them.
4) Maintain restrictions on gatherings of 50 people or more. We can deal with one person spreading the virus to a few others, but not to thousands all at once. Sorry Broadway and sporting events.
5) Hire people to maintain a new level of cleanliness at public places and especially public transportation.
The key is the testing and 6 weeks into the pandemic, and we still don't have enough tests to test those with symptoms. This is a failure of state, federal, and world governments.
1) We can't keep the economy closed forever, and every week that it is closed hurts livelihoods and just staying afloat will cost taxpayers trillions.
2) There is no guarantee that COVID-19 is seasonal or that we will have a vaccine anytime soon.
3) The virus will continue to spread (unless we completely lock up society for several weeks, which doesn't seem likely. Additionally, all international travel will have to be cancelled indefinitely).
Given those facts, there has to be a plan to reopen society that doesn't just put us in the same situation over and over again. The solution must include:
1) Testing capacity beyond anything we have ever imagined. Billions of tests, testing people constantly, giving them immediate results (testing for both the virus and antibodies).
2) Develop long-term medical capacity. Assume there will never be a vaccine.
3) Protect those most vulnerable. This will be very challenging and not all vulnerable people are old and in aging facilities. Again, have daily testing for those in danger and the people around them.
4) Maintain restrictions on gatherings of 50 people or more. We can deal with one person spreading the virus to a few others, but not to thousands all at once. Sorry Broadway and sporting events.
5) Hire people to maintain a new level of cleanliness at public places and especially public transportation.
The key is the testing and 6 weeks into the pandemic, and we still don't have enough tests to test those with symptoms. This is a failure of state, federal, and world governments.
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