The Tests That Could Reopen the Country: How They Work
After weeks of sheltering in place, Americans are asking how soon we can return to a more normal life outside our homes. Much of the answer might be in a test. The first phase of testing has been about determining who has COVID-19. The next phase will be about who had it – or may still be fighting it. Instead of looking in our throats for the coronavirus itself, health care workers will look for signs in our blood that we developed antibodies to fight the virus, according to a report in USA Today.
The results could tell us many things.
Infection rates. Researchers say many people have been asymptomatic – or didn’t know they were inflected. Widespread testing would provide insights into how prevalent the most serious cases have been.
Herd immunity. If a large percentage of people in a city or state have those antibodies, researchers might determine there is enough herd immunity to protect those who haven’t contracted the virus.