DW and I were talking about this CV mess the other day. One potentially good thing to come out of it would be some sort of new testing device. I don't really know how the current tests work but it should be clear to everyone now (USGov, general public, etc.) that it would be worthwhile for the Gov to spend many billions of $$$ to promote development of deployable tests. Not just for this event but for the seasonal flu and unpredictable events in the future. Some possibilities:
1. Holy Grail: simple, inexpensive permanent device for home use. Linked to internet so that it can get updated to test for new bugs. Or maybe inexpensive testing "cartridges" that are more specific to diseases that you buy when you need them.
2. Decent solution: more complex machine in grocery stores, CVS, Walgreens, etc. Like the free blood pressure machines already in those stores. We're seeing pop up CV testing being deployed right now, why not make it permanent, in-house, and more generic for future use?
The goal isn't laboratory-grade testing but rather simple screening. If Fred in the office turns up sick one day, you could pop over to a testing device to see if you have anything, too, and self-isolate for a few days if you're positive.
Is a more generic testing device possible theoretically or is it simply physically impossible? I don't know. If it is theoretically possible and I were President, I'd call Musk into the Oval Office and say, "here's $10B, come back to me with a prototype in two years". I'd pick Musk not because he's a healthcare/biology genius but rather that he's a problem-solving and organizational genius. I have faith in his ability to pick the right people for the job and his ability to whip them relentlessly until a solution is found.
