![]() ![]() The FDA recently authorized two antiviral pills to treat early COVID infections: Paxlovid and Molnupiravir. We’ve reached a point in the pandemic where diagnostic testing is medically essential. Each unnecessary swab that you consume means one fewer is available for more important purposes-such as diagnosing a symptomatic infection. And testing is, for now, a zero-sum game. But even with increased testing, we stand little chance of controlling Omicron this winter at the population level. It might seem reckless to suggest that people undergo less surveillance indeed, the standard expert’s take has been the opposite, that we all should screen ourselves as often as possible in order to help reduce community spread. But other types of COVID screening-before and after family gatherings, for instance, or while visiting nearby vacation destinations-are optional. Many of those queuing up for tests this week have little choice about the matter negative results can be required for travel or school or access to public venues. When the same principle is applied to diagnostics, it means that people at the lowest risk from COVID shouldn’t buy up large stocks of at-home tests, or grab PCR appointments when they’re not experiencing symptoms. This is the testing version of vaccine equity: the effort to ensure that life-saving inoculations don’t disproportionately benefit the healthiest and wealthiest people. It’s possible to feel outrage at this state of affairs while behaving as responsibly as possible, given the circumstances. Over the past two years, labs have worked around the clock to offer millions of PCR assays daily, but further expansion has been hampered by global supply-chain disruptions and a long-simmering staffing crisis. As for laboratory testing, the near-term prospects may be even dimmer: PCR technology cannot scale as readily as simple antigen tests. Newly authorized at-home tests from Roche and Siemens will also launch in January, yet their supply will number only in the “ tens of millions,” at least at first. At the time of Biden’s statement, the government hadn’t actually finalized the contracts for the massive purchase. ![]() But even if this does ameliorate the testing traffic somewhat, it won’t resolve our national shortage. “ I know you’re tired, really, and I know you’re frustrated,” President Joe Biden said before the holidays, announcing that his administration would give away 500 million rapid tests starting in January. But we can help ease it too-and clear the way for those who have the greatest need for their results-by staying off the road whenever possible.Īfter weeks of bad press, the government is now trying to intervene more aggressively. You are traffic.” Yes, the system failed us: Inadequate public investment in the nation’s testing infrastructure has worsened the congestion. ![]() But amid the complaints about a lack of rapid-testing kits and long delays for lab results, I’m reminded of the adage “You are not stuck in traffic. Testing backlogs are only going to get worse from here, as case numbers continue their ascent. The line for brunch was replaced, last weekend, with line after line after line of weary citizens waiting to receive their viral clearance. Move over mimosas, because America has a fresh New Year’s tradition: struggling to get tested for COVID before returning to school or work. ![]()
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