Ramp up COVID-19 testing

Testing is the key to getting America working and living again in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every responsible roadmap to opening up the country places as its topline requirement “the ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed,” as California puts it — and Oregon and Washington are aligned with that approach.

Though more extensive testing capability is coming online, it’s not happening quickly or extensively enough. America needs a major wartime effort to get this done NOW.

We used to be really good at this sort of thing. Need thousands of B-17 bombers and Sherman tanks to crush the Third Reich? It’s on. Full court press. We have the capacity to do the same with COVID-19 testing — all we need is clear direction and a focused effort of will, starting at the top.

Contact Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Rep. Greg Walden and let them know that there is no higher priority than placing fully adequate testing capability in the hands of healthcare providers across the fruited plain. Contact the White House and demand action.

A little of that gung-ho all-the-way-to-victory spirit of yore would be most welcome right now.

We can do it!

Jim Cornelius, Editor-in-Chief

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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