Virus

Ultimately the only way we are going to co-exist with the current virus is when we achieve herd immunity like we have with so many of its predescessors.  Getting to that point is the hard part. The natural way would be to allow the virus to spread infecting almost everyone.  

 This is the way we had to do it before we developed modern medicine and our current ability to develop vacines.  It results in many deaths that were simply the natural cost of acquiring herd immunity.

If we fail to develop a vaccine ultimately we will eventually experience it this way.  There are ways to "flatten the curve" but that is essentially a way to simply spread out the cost.  This is based on the assumption that the virus has become widespread and prevalent, which the statistics clearly indicate.  

This cost is considered way too high.

We instead have some medical option that we are pursuing.  The one that would provide the best option is developing a vaccine that would essentially create here immunity on an expedited basis. That is the best option.

While we wait we also are developing treatments that reduce the mortality rate.  These efforts have been varied.  

Still it's hopeful.

Safe Openings

We are certainly getting close to reopening the economy and that's a good thing.  The questions that need to be answered are tricky.

Since we know asymptomatic people can spread the virus, the use of masks should be mandatory in any public place.  This is to stop people from spreading the virus and to reduce the risk of inhaling it.

Secondary spread via surface is still not clear so we need to provide large amounts of hand sanitizer so people can take precautions.  I suppose another alternative would be to make sure there are enough disposable gloves available but they present risks of their own on disposal and removal.  Removing the virus from your hands quickly is the best protection.  Not touching you face is also good, but we all do that fairly instinctively.

You have to consider that while individuals might feel its ok for them to engage in risky behavior, that behavior is likely to put others at risk.  Failure to protect yourself and resultant infection means you become an infectious agent, and might not even know it.  No one has the right to endanger others.

Of course if you are taking proper precautions and interact with someone who isn't, you should shun him or her and use sanitizer to protect yourself.  Someone may have the right to carry a weapon but I have the right to avoid being a target.

As infections become rare we need to trace the source of any new infections quickly.  Of course if the incubation period is up to 14 days this tracing might be difficult. Still it would be the only chance at continuing containment.

We might fact a real problem when schools re-open, we always see an uptick in some infectious diseases and of course Covid-19 is likely to be around.  We simply need to be alert and isolate those exhibiting possible symptoms until they can be cleared.

This brings up the need for rapid accurate tests.  Imagine if in the school day started with a quick test and then the pledge of allegiance.  Teachers too.

The virus can be effectively starved to death if it can't infect us.  The faster the better.