Counter argument. Tests are probably not handed out without instructions about the protocol to follow (do not go to emergency, you will be sent back when you d

Counter argument. Tests are probably not handed out without instructions about the protocol to follow (do not go to emergency, you will be sent back when you do not have severe symptoms etc). If these are not then you pointed out a clear improvement possibility, problem solved. I think the massive usage of self tests is a very economical way to contain the outbreak. No, I do not mean the price of the test, I mean the macro economics. Lock downs may be avoided because only infected people must be isolated but the rest can continue to function efficiently. Even if the containment is not possible by this, it may help to slow down the spread to the level where the health care system could handle severe cases (it is going to be very difficult when spread grows out of control - https://www.reddit.com/r/medicine/comments/ff8hns/testimony_of_a_surgeon_working_in_bergamo_in_the/ https://www.reddit.com/r/medicine/comments/ff8hns/testimony_... ). I think that not doing massive testing that is going to be only possible by self testing will create much larger harm. Edit: the method provided by Bill Gates is not a self test. It is just a way to collect samples. The test will be still done in the lab.