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By themselves, the number of tests don't tell us much. CDC says "not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19," https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.htmlgoing. "Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. They may not need to be tested." https://twitter.com/zcolman/status/1254389028792696832
Also, there are different types of tests. Not all are designed for a single purpose. https://www.cnet.com/how-to/every-coronavirus-test-and-how-theyre-different-antibody-nasal-swab-saliva/
It does makes sense to (repeatedly) test the heroes on the front line of this fight, health care pros, 1st responders, etc., and of course, the most vulnerable, e.g., the elderly and those with underlying chronic disease. Not so much for the healthy and asymptomatic.
Repeated testing for positive results in asymptomatic and otherwise healthy people is confusing, inefficient, and distracts from strategies that currently seem to hold more promise.
If reported anecdotal antibody testing results prove reliable - which is currently contested and unresolved - many people have had the virus with few or no symptoms. Antibody testing may be a key to getting those folks back to work without danger to themselves or others.
As the FDA says: "Experience with other viruses suggests that individuals whose blood contains antibodies associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection—provided they are recovered and not currently infected with the virus—may be able to resume work and other daily activities in society."
Of course, at the same time clinical trials that are currently underway for safe and effective treatment are key, as is ultimately a vaccine. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/04/24/world/asia/24reuters-health-coronavirus-lifeline.html This war has several fronts.
So back to where this thread started, we need a strategy for testing, not just numbers. Thanks.
