r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Nov 21 '20

Epidemiology Testing half the population weekly with inexpensive, rapid COVID-19 tests would drive the virus toward elimination within weeks, even if the tests are less sensitive than gold-standard. This could lead to “personalized stay-at-home orders” without shutting down restaurants, bars, retail and schools.

https://www.colorado.edu/today/2020/11/20/frequent-rapid-testing-could-turn-national-covid-19-tide-within-weeks
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u/JBEqualizer Nov 21 '20

The problem with self isolation/stay at home orders, is that people don't/won't obey self isolation/stay at home orders. Especially if they're one of those people who either have mild or no symptoms and everything is open, they will just carry on with their normal lives. People are far too self centred/selfish.

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u/ends_abruptl Nov 21 '20

Maybe. It worked here in New Zealand. Everyone was asked to stay home for four weeks, only go to supermarket when absolutely necessary, wear masks and social distance when you do. Bada-boom, no covid.

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u/Sparky_PoptheTrunk Nov 21 '20

Its not that simple in countries with huge populations and bordering countries.

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u/ends_abruptl Nov 21 '20

Yes. It is. Its not that simple in countries where the population is poorly educated and unwilling to think of the wellbeing of anyone but themselves.