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From: Jeffrey Lewin <jclewin**At_Symbol_Here**MTU.EDU>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] [EXTERNAL] Re: [DCHAS-L] Ask Dr. Safety: Recovery and Contingency - A Virtual Symposium Wednesday Evening April 15th
Date: Apr 15, 2020 15:33 UTC
Reply-To:
ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
Risking life and limb, I will once more go into the breech.
There has been a tremendous emphasis on testing and some very hopeful developments (e.g., the salvia test). Many have pointed out that while we have done more tests than anybody else, but we have not done more on a per capita basis. This is in part due to our regulatory system where whatever testing we do must be reliable and accurate (while not so much in some other countries). There is some indication this (false negative) may have led to what some are calling reinfections.
Dr. Hall can weigh in, but the normal course is to test symptomatic persons. We will never be in a position to test everyone (320 million) and unless you need it and are very sick or becoming very sick, it does not change anything for those with mild symptoms. More importantly, what does a negative test do. I could test negative on Tuesday and become infected on Wednesday and then infect others the following week. Are we suggesting daily testing?
Persons who are symptomatic or thought to have the disease definitely should be absolutely tested.
I think our ultimate salivation will be a combination of smart public health and the immuno-assay.
Stay safe and well
Zack