Michigan, like many other states, is taking steps to relax orders aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. In the forefront of discussions about reopening all or parts of a state’s economy is testing. Questions such as who to test, when to test, and which test, are often part of the discussion. Some may point to Sweden and their “herd immunity” approach and suggest that testing is not necessary.
The links for this Weekend Reading series provides information on testing – the types, reliability, and the herd approach. Check out the A Look Back at History and Quarantine Tips for some great reading and resources!
1. COVID-19 Testing 101
- Forbes: A Diagnostics Expert Breaks Down Two Different Types Of Coronavirus Tests And How They Work
- The Atlantic: Should You Get an Antibody Test? A user’s guide to the immune system
2. Not as Simple as a True & False Test
- NPR: How Reliable Are COVID-19 Tests? Depends Which One You Mean
- Mayo Clinic: False-negative COVID-19 test results may lead to false sense of security
- Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA): The Promise and Peril of Antibody Testing for COVID-19
3. To Herd or Not to Herd?
- New York Times: What the Proponents of ‘Natural’ Herd Immunity Don’t Say – Try to reach it without a vaccine, and millions will die
- Washington Post: Antibody Tests Show We’re Nowhere Near Herd Immunity
4. A Look Back at History
- Washington Post: Franklin Roosevelt’s battle with polio taught him lessons relevant today – Science, medicine and dedication to public service may be key to overcoming covid-19
- The Atlantic: The People Who Risked Death for Immunity -When yellow fever swept through 19th-century New Orleans, immunity became so valuable, people were willing to go to extreme lengths for protection
5. Quarantine Tips
- New York Times: Why Days 5 to 10 Are So Important When You Have Coronavirus
- Washington Post: Getting antsy? Try quarantine bingo!
- New York Times: Classic Board Games With a Touch of Tech – How to use video conferencing to play traditional, real-life board games with people who are sheltering in different places
Enjoy the weekend and stay safe!
