Part 5/8:
Romer argues that these innovations should be swiftly adopted without unnecessary bureaucratic delays, comparing the potential value of widespread testing to the everyday availability of products like soda—produced in vast quantities because society values them highly. He emphasizes that the economic incentives are aligned; there is tremendous value in making testing broadly accessible.
Lessons from Past Pandemics
Drawing parallels to the HIV/AIDS crisis, Romer mentions the "Test and Treat" strategy, which involved widespread testing combined with immediate treatment to curb the spread of the virus. Implementing a similar approach for COVID-19 would entail quick testing followed by isolation or treatment, which could significantly reduce transmission rates.