Over the past few weeks, people across the country have experienced the frustrations of demand for Covid-19 tests far exceeding supply. I can relate. After my son experienced a breakthrough Covid-19 case over the holidays, my wife and I scoured our area for at-home rapid antigen tests and PCR test appointments. Neither was available at local pharmacies. We managed to secure testing appointments at our local YMCA, only to have them canceled due to lack of staffing. We then got in a line at a state-run testing site in a sports arena. Two-and-a-half hours later we had our tests, and three days later my wife and I had our results, which came back negative.
Despite such a time-consuming hassle, we were, in many ways, fortunate. I could stand in line for hours because I have paid time off from work. I could endure a three-day wait for results because I can work safely from home. My son, who has thankfully recovered, could have easily received care from a physician because he has health insurance. We have the peace of mind that comes with things like access to health care, paid leave and remote work. But millions of Americans do not.
The above is an excerpt of a piece originally published in CNN.
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