Call to action for local antibody testing

The Daily Herald editorial from April 16, "We need many more tests to crush the curve," identified the most pressing issue in the battle against COVID-19, but it lacked a critical call to action. The governor of Illinois and local officials locked down our towns, including schools, restaurants, bars, playgrounds, tennis courts, ball fields and my barber shop to play defense against the virus. Now, it's time to play offense.

I continue to speak with people like me who believe they have already unknowingly contracted and recovered from the virus. A growing number of scientists and medical professionals are urging antibody testing to identify people who have developed some level of immunity to the virus. They contend antibody testing is as important as testing those who exhibit symptoms.

The federal government has made it clear that testing is the responsibility of state and local governments. We should urge our elected officials to go on the offensive by working with the Illinois Department of Health to immediately implement a comprehensive plan to begin meaningful antibody testing. The results will either confirm the necessity of a continued defensive lockdown strategy or it will provide real hope and a clearer road map back to the normalcy we all seek.

Waiting in our homes for the "All Clear" signal is not enough anymore. By determining how many people have built up an immunity to this virus, our leaders can make decisions based on facts, not fear. They need to act now to protect both the health and livelihoods of the citizens in their communities.

Paul Petricca

Arlington Heights