We need to quickly determine if having Covid 19 provides immunity to getting it again. And when is someone no longer contagious once they've had it? If having it provides immunity, as we would expect, then it is just a matter of determining when a person is safe. They should be given clearance by a doctor and return to the work force ASAP. But I have heard of no plans to do this. None of the stay at home orders allow for people who can't possibly spread it or get it.
I think you already mentioned the reason- we don't know. The reports I've read/heard indicate that it is mutating similarly to the cold or flu, and not only can you get reinfected, but getting reinfected is even more deadly if you still have damaged/scarred lung tissue from the initial infection. But like you said, we don't know. And I agree that finding out should be a priority. In fact, I'd bet quite a lot that 'they' have been looking into it for quite a while, and where the scientific establishment is concerned, no news is bad news.
There are still a lot of questions, but, one thing we know for certain: SCIENCE: Study: COVID-19 Impacts Men, Women More Than All Other Genders Combined. Germany will issue coronavirus antibody certificates to allow quarantined to re-enter society: Researchers to test thousands for immunity as Berlin plans exit strategy for pandemic lock down.
I know it is a priority to determine the level of immunity gained if you've had it. But I'm surprised no one is talking about this aspect of the work force. One of the vaccine experts interviewed commented that the virus appears to be very stable; just the opposite of what you heard. Eeeeesh. On the up side, they generally become less lethal over time.
I am essential so nothing has changed for me, except for when I go to the store and things are depleted. Not that I care because I prepared years ago. It's just I would like to make a meal with an egg once in a while. I guess I just need to wait a minute.
I have created a thread about this issue last week. The problem is:. The vast majority of people who've had it never know that they've had it, because of lack of testing. That's why we need the ability to test for antibodies against covid, so people who know they've had it can go back to work. Especially for medical and essential workers.
Indeed, I think I've had it but need an antibody test. I have heard talk of the test coming. Apparently it isn't going to be soon enough to be worth discussing a plan yet. Everyone is focused on the infection test. I am more interested in the antibody test. Also, are you actually protected? Apparently we don't even know if having it gives you immunity to getting it again.
The antibody test being developed will enable exactly this. If you can verify someone had it, is now immune, and isn't still shedding virus, then they absolutely can go back to work. It's that first part that's tough.
Uncle Ferd would go back if he could... ... but the last place dat fired him... ... won't take him back!
Even if you don't have immunity against a mutated form, if you survived it once, it is likely that you don't fit the genetic profile of the people this virus kills. I still think there is some component of genetic makeup of the victims that we don't understand. It's not just age and general health that make the difference between survival and death.
