Bill Gates Complains America's Coronavirus Testing Data is 'Bogus'

Appearing on CNN Thursday, Bill Gates called America's coronavirus testing data "bogus," in part because "the United States does not make sure you get results in 24 hours." Business Insider reports:

Testing in the U.S. remains a long and complicated task, and it can take several days before people are told whether they have tested positive or negative for COVID-19. "If you get your test results within 24 hours so you can act on it, then let's count it," Gates said, adding that people were most infectious within the first three to four days after infection and might continue to interact with others and spread the virus until they have definitive results. "What's the point of the test?" he said. "That's your period of greatest infectiousness."

Gates added that residents of low-income neighborhoods had lesser access to testing facilities and were not prioritized, despite indications that the virus has taken a disproportionate toll on marginalized communities. "Our system fails to have the prioritization that would give us an accurate picture of what's going on," he said.

While America is now testing about 200,000 people a day, the article cites experts from Harvard University who believe 20 million tests a day are what's needed to fully "remobilize the economy."