>>6908148If the lethality was much higher it would unironically be much less of an issue. Because nobody would try to downplay the severity of the situation and the systemic threat it presents.
PCR-tests are not designed to detect COVID, but they are designed to detect any specific genetic material, so if you know the genome of what you're searching for, you can see if it there and how much of it is there.
PCR has been in-use as a diagnostic tool for a fairly long time, for instance it's used to test for the flu as well. It's used when you have a suspicion of what you are looking for, but you cannot confirm it based on symptoms alone.
HIV testing for instance was done based on PCR until cheap, reliable antibody-based tests were available.
