What will it take to re-open the economy? @NPR reporting on today's @MorningEdition examines vital elements of any recovery plan, and finds the United States falling short as of now. Details are in this thread.
Health experts, like two on @NPR Monday, say keys to containing the virus include mass testing, contact tracing, and quarantines. Testing still lags. One issue: @tomscheck reports labs that process tests have been underfunded. @MorningEdition
npr.org/2020/04/28/845…
npr.org/2020/04/28/845…
Once a person tests positive, contact tracing must begin. To whom might the patient have spread the virus? It takes an army of contact tracers. @selenasd reports states are hiring far fewer people than experts think are needed. @MorningEdition @NPR npr.org/sections/healt…
What happens when contact tracing reveals who was exposed? People quarantine themselves. But Americans typically quarantine at home, and may spread it through the household. Debate is only beginning about quarantine outside the home. @MorningEdition @NPR npr.org/2020/04/28/846…
The @NPR reporting suggests a US system that's like a leaky dam. A shortage of testing means some cases go undiagnosed. A shortage of tracing means that some people who are exposed are not warned. A lack of proper quarantine means some people continue the spread. @MorningEdition
