CAN'T WE DO IT OURSELVES?

A New Plan to test for COVID-19

Wednesday, May 6, 2020


Wednesday, May 6, 2020
CAN'T WE DO IT OURSELVES?
Letter to Editor: 5/6/2020 By Francis William Bessler
Subject: CAN’T WE DO IT OURSELVES?

It seems to me we have a problem. We have a strange virus among us – and we can’t carry on as usual until we deal with it. So, let’s deal with it. There have to be some among us who can figure it out. So, this is what I propose. In 3 steps, let us proceed. Maybe we will succeed and maybe not, but let’s give it a try – and if we succeed, we can share our process with the world.
1.Ask some who are known to have the virus spit into a vessel or pad of some sort – and ask someone who is considered virus free, spit into another vessel or pad. Then think about some agent that is commonly available and dose the two samples with it. Try different agents if necessary until one shows some positive results – until the pad with a virus turns one color and the pad without a virus turns another. But try not to develop a test that depends on some complicated lab process. Be open; and maybe someone with knowledge about such things can come up with something soon.
2.Once we have resolved by spit retrieval and examination about what works, set upon some community facility like a city park in warm weather and a local church in bad weather to test an entire community. Prepare tags to be worn by those tested. If one passes the virus color test and is found likely virus free, attach a green tag to that one that states such and a last date tested. If one does not pass the virus color test, attach a red tag to that one that states such and send that one to a doctor, hospital, or urgent care facility to determine necessary treatment. Then insist that one is treated accordingly.
3.Open up the community, including all public places like stores, restaurants and churches, but only allow those with green tags to enter who cannot infect others for being known to not have it themselves by previous testing within a past determined span of time.

Maybe this is too simple to work, but maybe it will work too. I will let those who are more doctor-oriented than I consider it further; but thanks for listening.