Ten-Minute Coronavirus Test for $1

Re:Ten-Minute Coronavirus Test for $1 by greenshackle2 on Monday March 16, 2020 @03:59PM (#22596918)

In Canada, growth was slower for a while, but the number of (detected) cases has doubled twice in the past 5 days, which just about matches what we saw in Italy and the US once they hit 100 cases.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ten-Minute Coronavirus Test for $1 by r00fus on Monday March 16, 2020 @06:25PM (#22598762)

Sounds like what happens when one of the criteria to get tested (which is expensive) is "having been in presence of known existing COVID-19 case".

It's a symptom of massive under-testing and would be greatly alleviated by an inexpensive test.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ten-Minute Coronavirus Test for $1 by greenshackle2 on Tuesday March 17, 2020 @11:57AM (#22606164)

Absolutely. Canada still only tests people with symptoms AND (have traveled recently OR have been in contact with a confirmed positive case).

Yet the messaging until recently was "no evidence of community spread, risk remains low" with very lukewarm response. Of course there is no evidence if you don't look for it.

I understand they don't want to incite panic but anyone who's been paying attention to other countries can see that community spread is inevitable unless you have strict measures and robust testing, very early on. I'm pissed our politicians have ignored lessons from other countries.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ten-Minute Coronavirus Test for $1 by martinpw on Monday March 16, 2020 @09:29PM (#22600516)

Exactly. Starting from the first case is not useful. Starting from a baseline of 100 offers a more consistent comparison. And for that, almost all countries are following the same path.

I think this site may be paywalled unfortunately (but there is just a $1 for the first month charge):

https://www.ft.com/content/a26fbf7e-48f8-11ea-aeb3-955839e06...

The second graph in there shows Canada is tracking exactly the same path as most European countries and the US.

[ Parent | on HN ]