Good news about COVID-19 testing and the Stimulus Bill

Did you see the new Abbott Labs 5 minutes tester – it is basically their strep throat tester modified – they can make 10K units every day. If this works as advertised, testing for CoronaVirus is going to be  solved!!!!

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-27/abbott-launches-5-minute-covid-19-test-for-use-almost-anywhere

Imagine if China had told the world early enough – these testers would’ve been ready earlier and the world could’ve had all passengers take a 5 minute test before boarding a flight (like TSA – CoronaVirus checked) to USA or any place!!  We could have limited the virus to Wuhan – at least fewer locations. Get ready to take a test before you board a flight!

Now for Ventilators – it is also a solvable problem – since only few among the infected people seem to need them, the amount of ventilators required even assuming 30-50% of Americans will get Covid-19 (not all Americans  will get it simultaneously) is actually not very big. There are several new low cost designs evolving and I am confident that with a conscious effort, this can also be fixed.

Then the tougher job starts – anti-viral drugs and vaccines  –The best piece of info last week was that Covid-19 virus does not mutate much which means it is easier to get a vaccine – There are nearly 30 vaccines headed for trial. Overall, as a species will survive!

The economic Issue however is going to require a lot of help – to discuss this, I am moderating a session with US Congressman Ro Khanna. He will answer your questions on whether your startup qualifies for help from the stimulus bill.

Thanks

Rajeev Madhavan, General Partner, Clear Ventures

Share this