Part 5/8:
Dr. Eichner explained that MLB’s involvement was a natural choice due to their prior collaborations and their widespread presence across the country. The aim was not specifically to test athletes but to access a broad spectrum of people connected to the sport, making it easier to gather representative data.
Objectives and Public Health Implications
The primary goal is to determine the actual prevalence of COVID-19 infections in the general population. Current statistics mostly account for symptomatic cases that have gone through healthcare systems. However, if a significant portion of the population has already been infected without symptoms, it could influence decisions on lifting restrictions and returning to normal activities.