What is the ideal testing scenario for the U.S.? How could we scale up from what we’re doing now to what the ideal scenario is? Are you worried about federal funding for testing ending on June 30?
Joe Patterson, Ph.D.:
In a perfect world, you would test everyone weekly, whether they are symptomatic or not, and alert them of their COVID-19 status. If positive, you would have them and those who have been in contact self-isolate for a few weeks. In this scenario, there would need to be job protection, financial compensation for hardships due to not working, and food/other supplies delivered to their homes so they don’t have to leave quarantine. We know that this would never happen in the U.S., since we have already seen people arming themselves and marching on the state Capitol over haircuts.
Realistically, the best we can do is increase testing and enhanced screening around the country for those who want it. This endeavor would need to involve hospitals, clinics, and local universities that have the resources to perform these tests. I would say, have anyone that is symptomatic immediately get a clinical test, and those who have no symptoms of COVID-19 can go through an enhanced screening [testing] process. The best way to screen as many people as possible and cut down on cost is to move to a pooling method of testing, where multiple people would be tested in a single assay. If a pool tests positive, the individual or individuals positive from the pool would be identified. This would work best with groups that are in continuous contact with each other, such as coworkers, students, etc. The key thing is that we need to do something. Sticking our heads in the sand and hoping it will just magically go away is not an option.
As for the loss of federal funding on June 30, it is very concerning. One of the worst things that can be done is reduced testing for COVID-19.