Apparently not, unfortunately. Each person who gets tested uses up masks, gloves, and other protection equipment that is in short supply. If you think you might have the virus, quarantine yourself or go to a hospital if you need emergency care. Getting tested if you’re healthy won’t change the outcome.
Many jurisdictions (including mine in Calgary) are telling people NOT to visit hospitals. We’re supposed to do the health authority’s online self-assessment and call our local healthcare number to get instructions.
Sure, we have a shortage. But mask and other equipment production is going to be ramped up shortly. Testing and is going to be the second part of any virus suppression effort.
And yeah, currently, we got nothing. Everyone quarantine, the sick-enough go to the soon-to-be overwhelmed hospitals. But we have to look plausible measures once we have resources, right?
