3 ms·

I don’t understand the obsession with testing. Ok, if we are doing random samples or antibody tests, then I agree it’s important so we can understand the true p

I don’t understand the obsession with testing. Ok, if we are doing random samples or antibody tests, then I agree it’s important so we can understand the true prevalence and mortality rate. But that’s not what we are doing right now. Otherwise, it just seems like a political exercise to boost the numbers and cause panic. If you’re symptomatic, is the best course of action really to leave your house for a test? It seems like it would be better to call the hospital and let them know your condition (so they can estimate upcoming hospitalizations). Then, stay at home and only go to the hospital when your symptoms worsen. Get tested when you go to the hospital.

Retric 7y ago
Many people are infectious without symptoms, others have yet to show significant symptoms. So to actually stop the spread you need to discover these people and quarantine them. South Korea very effectively used this policy and they turned a significant outbreak to near total containment. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_coronavirus_pandemic_in_South_Korea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_coronavirus_pandemic_in_S... Going from a peak of 1,062 cases per day to 27 yesterday is huge.
- sillyconvalley 7y ago
  Or, if you just quarantine everybody (hence the advice to stay the hell home and assume you have it), then the curve flattens. You don't need a test to stay home.