4-24-20
States like Georgia and Texas are starting the reopening process, and Frankly, I think that is dangerously premature.
We need more data on COVID 19.
Now, there are two main types of tests being used: antibody and antigen. Antibody tests look for antibodies to the virus that causes COVID 19. Their presence mean that a person has been exposed at some point and the immune system has responded. Whereas antigen tests are looking for the virus itself.
Thing is, we need significantly more tests available and run than has been occurring so far. There is still a serious shortage of tests and/or test reagents (which are needed to run the kits).
States should be conducting extensive testing programs and be seeing a genuine, significant reduction in the number of new antigen positives for at least 2 weeks before reopening. Then once the reopening process begins, aggressive testing will be necessary to monitor the COVID status to see if cases start spiking again and if so, how badly.
Frankly, neither Georgia or Texas are ready for this process. They have not been testing enough and have not seen the necessary reduction in new antigen positives to begin reopening. Yet, here they go.
I’m concerned reopening prematurely will lead to spikes in COVID cases that could cost lives.
While I realize the economy is hurting and people are understandably worried about money, we need to be smart in handling this situation. Otherwise, people will almost certainly die tragically and needlessly.
Views and Observations 