Some thoughts on using existing infrastructure to fight the virus, keep people fed, and keep at least some of the economy going.
Most cities now have infrastructure around delivery services (Amazon, Instacart, whatever your local grocer offers, etc.). Why not offer tests/fever checks to anyone who wants to drive? (if and when we ever get tests)
Do a rapid test of anyone who merits it; share the results with local health authorities.
Test people for antibodies too. Give anyone who has recovered a certificate they can produce in order to safely help with the effort in capacities beyond the supply chain.
Let all these healthy people pick, pack and deliver goods. Waive the delivery fees to encourage use.
Accept SNAP. Ration items to prevent hoarding.
At checkout, prompt users with a reminder as to whether they have preventive items at home such as first aid kits - anything that could help cut down on trips to the ER or to the pharmacy.
At checkout, prompt users to donate money to a local food bank.
For those in the at-risk population, prompt them to get tools that could assist with diagnosis via telemedicine: oxygen readers, thermometers, blood pressure readers, etc.
(that is my non-expert suggestion - I’m sure someone who knows more about this can chime in as to whether this is helpful or not, or what kinds of things would be helpful)
This would allow people to keep earning money, people to keep their households stocked, and the majority of us to continue to stay in. It would also provide an incentive for testing and ensure that we’re not aggravating the problem by having sick people make deliveries.
