Prevention is better than cure. Governments are spending billions of dollars on lockdowns and healthcare etc. Would it not be a good idea to conduct frequent testing, particularly at borders. Even in the UK, there are no checks at arrivals.
South Korea quickly controlled the spread, despite it was one of the leading affected countries at the start. The secret behind the success was excessive testing to identify and isolate the affected people. It worked.
Wendy
In private clinics, it is expensive.
Summerfield Healthcare has offered tests between £199 to £299.
The Private Harley Street Clinic has been selling a home testing kit for £395, which can also cover a few more respiratory viruses, including flu.
Moss
In the UK, researchers from the Brunel University London, Lancaster University and the University of Surrey developed a new type of test. It can detect COVID-19 within 30 minutes. It consists of a hand-held device which can cost around £100 with individual swab sample kits that cost around $5 per person.
Keith
A UK-based laboratory, AlphaBiolabs, has launched a new kit which can cost around £156. It involves a blood sample being taken via a finger prick which is then put into a small screening device where two or three drops of testing fluid are then added.
Within 15 minutes, the results can be seen on the device screen in three lines.
The screening results can also tell the individual what stage of COVID-19 they have. It can also tell whether it is a recent exposure or a later infection.
Frank
It is free in hospitals but you would not be allowed to visit until you are infected and in a serious condition. By that time you would need to care rather than a test. The government should conduct these test through GPs/surgeries/hospitals/clinics/schools etc. Large corporations should be encouraged to offer free testing to employees.