It's the Inequality, Stupid: Why Test, Trace, Isolate Won't Stop Covid-19 in America

"Everything is changing, and in the face of that, America is failing. Over 90,000 souls have paid for our failing. Millions more are living in terror for their livelihoods and their families. But Covid-19 isn't a technology problem, or a science question, or a supply chain issue, or even a question of doctoring. This challenge is public health, and that is something we've been failing at for a damn long time."

"Without addressing that fact, anything else we do can't succeed, not in the models of countries like South Korea, Germany, or the overlooked best of all pandemic responses, Vietnam. (Not only did they aggressively treat, trace, and quarantine every case, but they did wonderful and meme- worthy public communication from the start) California Governor Gavin Newsom, who reacted quicker than any other governor to shut down the state of California, saved innumerable lives."

"But with testing capacity still lacking in the state, ( fewer than 1 in 20 Californians being tested) the data says no such thing, and it's even worse in most of the country. We are not ready to open. The history of fighting epidemics from Ebola to AIDS to antibiotic resistant TB is very clear. To stop an epidemic: catch every case with testing, trace every contact,"

America is experiencing major public health failures that have resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread fear for livelihoods and families. Covid-19 is primarily a public-health challenge rather than a purely technological, scientific, or supply-chain problem. The American health system is difficult for most people to navigate, undermining effective epidemic response. Effective control requires catching every case with testing, tracing every contact, ensuring safe isolation, and providing prompt treatment. Successful examples include aggressive test-trace-quarantine programs and clear public communication in countries such as South Korea, Germany, and Vietnam. Premature reopening without adequate testing risks renewed spread.

Read at Emptywheel