Conference Presentation, Webinar, Fireside Chat, Interview
How COVID-19 Tests Will Help Reopen America - Conference Call Series
- Governor Raimondo aims to maintain viral control through rapid testing and contact tracing, with a target for residents and workers to receive test results within two days.
- The administration plans a slow, steady reopening sequence, moving from Phase 1 to Phase 2 early in June, followed by a transition to Phase 3 approximately one month later.
- Commercial activity in retail, food service, and tourism is planned to continue alongside persistent social gathering limits.
- State testing capacity is projected to reach 10,000 tests per day by July and 15,000 to 20,000 tests per day by the start of the school year, with increased focus on urban areas and nursing homes.
- Schools are currently slated to open in the Fall, although officials acknowledge the timeline is subject to change based on conditions.
- Officials warn that over-reliance on testing is insufficient and that constant surveillance is necessary, as the virus can outpace detection efforts if surveillance lapses.
- There is expressed concern that a lack of confidence may cause residents to avoid healthcare settings for non-COVID issues such as cancer treatment.
- Governor Raimondo intends to build public confidence to manage life with the virus until a cure or vaccine becomes available.
- Adam Schechter projects LabCorp's daily PCR testing capacity to rise from 75,000 to 150,000 by mid-June, with antibody testing capacity exceeding 300,000 per day by the same date.
- Schechter notes that the full impact of reopening on data lags will likely not be visible for two to three weeks.
- Antibody tests are described as having 99 to 99.8% specificity for COVID-19, though their ability to prevent future infection remains unconfirmed.
- Business strategies for reopening are expected to prioritize policies encouraging symptomatic employees to stay home, with some regions potentially requiring antibody tests for return-to-work clearance.
- A PIXL at-home test is currently available for individuals meeting CDC criteria, with results generated within one to two days.
- State and LabCorp capacity building throughout the summer is intended to ensure testing availability for all residents by the fall in accordance with CDC recommendations.
- Schechter anticipates a vaccine becoming available well before herd immunity is reached and expresses confidence in the rapid development of new treatments.
- Risks identified include public complacency regarding social distancing and hygiene during the summer, as well as a significant decrease in non-COVID-19 testing that may lead to untreated conditions like diabetes and cancer.