As COVID-19 infections surge in the United States, an ongoing public health debate has centered around whether mass testing is the best way to contain the spread of the virus. While there are accuracy concerns with the rapid tests utilized in this approach, proponents argue that the frequency of testing will help overcome the analytical shortcomings.
In a new piece below, Joshua Lieberman, Steven Lieberman, and Lori Bourassa explain why this strategy has serious drawbacks, including risks associated with false positive results and the increased likelihood that frequently-tested individuals will engage in risky behavior.
Separately, our experts discuss the need to fairly compensate America's essential workers, the importance of parental engagement in children's learning, NATO's response to COVID-19, and more.
Navigating the crisis
The pitfalls of mass testing for COVID-19. "Mass testing, regardless of test quality is not necessary to achieve public health goals and could actually do harm." Joshua Lieberman, Steven Lieberman, and Lori Bourassa call for the widespread adoption of simple, cheap, collective public health policies: mask wearing, hand washing, and social distancing.
Reimagining innovation to fight the virus. Whether it's medical supply drones or converted train cars, frugal innovations can play a key role in COVID-19 responses. Joseph Kannarkat and Norman Augustine discuss.
America's frontline workers need a raise. Most large U.S. retail employers ended temporary pay bumps months ago, despite many having record sales, huge profits, and soaring stock prices. Molly Kinder, Laura Stateler, and Julia Du shed light on the dire state of hazard pay in America and explain what can be done.
Education during the pandemic and beyond
The role of parents. Around the world, parents are getting a firsthand look at their children's classroom activities. Rebecca Winthrop argues this could be an education game-changer.
Can public education return to normal? Even when the health crisis wanes, Paul Hill and Ashley Jochim say there will be colliding pressures to put old education arrangements back in place and to keep the crisis adaptations that worked well during the pandemic.
The importance of clean air in classrooms. Air pollution not only harms children's health, it has detrimental effects on their learning. With COVID-19 prompting reflection on public health, Michael Gilraine lays out several common-sense actions to reduce the impact of pollution on students.
The international landscape
An essential lifeline is under threat in Africa. Wafa Aidi, Razaq Fatai, and Stephen Karingi write that African governments need to make migrant remittances an essential component in their coronavirus recovery strategies.
Lessons from NATO's response to COVID-19. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic marked the first time in NATO's history that it had to face an attack against each of its member states at once. In a policy brief, Giovanna De Maio explains how the organization worked to manage the crisis.
In uncertain times, our experts continue to provide vital policy research and recommendations for real-time response and impact. Please consider supporting our work with a gift today.
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