But safely lifting restrictions will require a new type of testing altogether, Fauci said.
"I think it's going to depend a lot, Jake, on the availability of those rapid tests that you can get really quickly, 15 minutes or so, where you'll know right away," he said. "So that when you identify someone who's infected, that person doesn't go out into society for a few days, infect a bunch of people, and then you bring them back because the test is positive."that delivers positive results in five minutes and negative results in 13 minutes.
The new test runs on Abbott Laboratories' ID NOW platform, which is the most common point-of-care test in the US. After the new ID NOW COVID-19 test received FDA approval, Abbott announced that it would ramp up its production to make 50,000 units per day as early as next week. According to a spokesperson from the medical device company, the tests will be available beginning on April 1.
"When we get those tests out that you can do right away, rapid point-of-care, and do it, then I think we're going to be closer [to lifting restrictions]," Fauci said.
Days
Even lifted... I won't feel safe going out yet... Til a vaccine is available... I think many will take the same approach