Tony's Diary Package — page 674

Global USA March 29, 2021 at 8:09 a.m. EDT March 30, 2021 - Global USA I remain close to Deb Birx and she still communicates with me about he observations of how things are going. Below is an e-mail she sent me this morning: Testing rates continue to drop reaching under July levels despite substantial increase in number of test and testing supplies available. "Surveillance testing" or testing for this silent spread is so critical. The original rising test positivity in 18-24 is now 25-44 and rising. This is how all the prior surges occurred - due to vaccination level the fatalities maybe be less and the risk to the health system maybe less but the potential for significant increases in morbidity and long term impact of COVID 19 will be most evident in these age groups. Simply repeating the same public health messages without tailoring to specific age groups on specific media platforms where the message will be heard will not have the impact we need at this moment. Please take care of yourself. Deb