I recently read that these tests can identify a specific antigen on the coronavirus’ surface and detect infection in as little as 15 minutes!! Fifteen minutes to possibly help save a life? I totally agree with you, let’s get it out there and saturate the free market ASAP. No long wait for results involved. No lab techs involved, no expensive equipment involved, and no government health officials involved.
Must there be only one approach? Let’s not toss the Federal baby out with the bureaucratic bath water.
First, let’s agree that, yes, widespread availability at corner stores would be an excellent option.
Meanwhile, why not _also_ encourage the Biden administration to infuse the market with cash somehow (antigen test vouchers distributed by social workers?), and/or provide incentives to hospitals and insurance companies to focus their efforts on distributing home-test kits, and/or help fund ramped-up production by placing a massive order of tests to be distributed in every prison, military base, and amongst the housing insecure?
These ideas are off the top of my head, and I’m not an expert in any of this, but if Dr. Mina’s ideas are as sound as they, well, sound, I’d rather see us put a little too much effort into putting them into action than a little too little. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thanks Chris. I don't think we disagree. If left to the free market, those in government could certainly still do the things you mention. They could buy tests at market prices (or vouchers for market prices) and distribute them however they wish and to whomever they wish. They could also be a source of financing/prize money if companies need to rapidly scale up production. The key is that market prices are able to move freely, competition is allowed, and consumers can choose which tests they want to buy and from whom. So I agree that there are ways for those in government to fill in gaps and play a supportive role, but that is very different from government and public health coordinating the allocation of all tests.
I recently read that these tests can identify a specific antigen on the coronavirus’ surface and detect infection in as little as 15 minutes!! Fifteen minutes to possibly help save a life? I totally agree with you, let’s get it out there and saturate the free market ASAP. No long wait for results involved. No lab techs involved, no expensive equipment involved, and no government health officials involved.
Must there be only one approach? Let’s not toss the Federal baby out with the bureaucratic bath water.
First, let’s agree that, yes, widespread availability at corner stores would be an excellent option.
Meanwhile, why not _also_ encourage the Biden administration to infuse the market with cash somehow (antigen test vouchers distributed by social workers?), and/or provide incentives to hospitals and insurance companies to focus their efforts on distributing home-test kits, and/or help fund ramped-up production by placing a massive order of tests to be distributed in every prison, military base, and amongst the housing insecure?
These ideas are off the top of my head, and I’m not an expert in any of this, but if Dr. Mina’s ideas are as sound as they, well, sound, I’d rather see us put a little too much effort into putting them into action than a little too little. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thanks Chris. I don't think we disagree. If left to the free market, those in government could certainly still do the things you mention. They could buy tests at market prices (or vouchers for market prices) and distribute them however they wish and to whomever they wish. They could also be a source of financing/prize money if companies need to rapidly scale up production. The key is that market prices are able to move freely, competition is allowed, and consumers can choose which tests they want to buy and from whom. So I agree that there are ways for those in government to fill in gaps and play a supportive role, but that is very different from government and public health coordinating the allocation of all tests.