As we move towards opening up the non-essential sector of the economy, we must embark on a meaningful "Test and Return to Work" segmentation plan, to avoid having to deal with a bigger seismic outbreak on the rebound.
In order to optimally use the available testing resources we must continue to attach the highest importance to the symptomatic referrals from the medical community so the humanitarian aspect takes precedence over the economic activity.
By the same token, if we allow people to show up at work without proper testing, the second wave could be more disastrous. Even in the non-essential sector since some industries are more important than others, the plan must be administered at the state level as the individual states are best judges of such priorities.
Here is the "Test and Return to Work" segmentation plan I would propose:
1. Since the stats show that under-35 is the "least" risk working segment, those who still have jobs must be tested ahead of all others. Those who have been laid off must be left out to start with. We just have to make sure the laid off people are receiving unemployment benefits so they are not out in the cold. Between the stimulus and unemployment benefit, they have to temporarily adjust while this situation is worked out. Alongside the still-employed, the full-time self-employed who are worse off today must also be included in this segment. Needless to say, those who are negative get to return to work immediately. The positive population starts/continues treatment.
2. The next in line should be the 36-to-50 age category. Again, the same principle of still-employed and self-employed will comprise this category. The testing outcome is the final determinant.
3. All new and recalled employees under the age of 50 will comprise this segment, receiving full priority for test and return to work at this point.
4. Then, the 51-to-67 age category should be considered. The above employment principle applies as well. The reason we need to stop at age 67 during the first iteration is that the 67+ folks qualify for full social security benefits as well as Medicare. By no means, I am suggesting that the 67+ should be forced out of the labor force, but they must be at the back end of the queue so the system remains more risk-tolerant and need-based.
Ideally, between May 1 and September 30, 2020, no one should return to work without having undergone the type of comprehensive testing that would ensure the lasting health and safety of the American people.
Stay safe!
-Sid Som
homequant@gmail.com
In order to optimally use the available testing resources we must continue to attach the highest importance to the symptomatic referrals from the medical community so the humanitarian aspect takes precedence over the economic activity.
By the same token, if we allow people to show up at work without proper testing, the second wave could be more disastrous. Even in the non-essential sector since some industries are more important than others, the plan must be administered at the state level as the individual states are best judges of such priorities.
Here is the "Test and Return to Work" segmentation plan I would propose:
1. Since the stats show that under-35 is the "least" risk working segment, those who still have jobs must be tested ahead of all others. Those who have been laid off must be left out to start with. We just have to make sure the laid off people are receiving unemployment benefits so they are not out in the cold. Between the stimulus and unemployment benefit, they have to temporarily adjust while this situation is worked out. Alongside the still-employed, the full-time self-employed who are worse off today must also be included in this segment. Needless to say, those who are negative get to return to work immediately. The positive population starts/continues treatment.
2. The next in line should be the 36-to-50 age category. Again, the same principle of still-employed and self-employed will comprise this category. The testing outcome is the final determinant.
3. All new and recalled employees under the age of 50 will comprise this segment, receiving full priority for test and return to work at this point.
4. Then, the 51-to-67 age category should be considered. The above employment principle applies as well. The reason we need to stop at age 67 during the first iteration is that the 67+ folks qualify for full social security benefits as well as Medicare. By no means, I am suggesting that the 67+ should be forced out of the labor force, but they must be at the back end of the queue so the system remains more risk-tolerant and need-based.
Ideally, between May 1 and September 30, 2020, no one should return to work without having undergone the type of comprehensive testing that would ensure the lasting health and safety of the American people.
Stay safe!
-Sid Som
homequant@gmail.com
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