The Roadmap to Keeping Oregon Open Part I: Establishing the COVID-19 Capacity for Testing and Contact Tracing Required to Keep the State Safe and Open

Abstract

This is the first in a multi-part series of white papers published by the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research & Engagement (IPRE). In this white paper, we contrast the guidelines for phased reopening set out by the Oregon state government and a proposed approach based on guidelines from national experts. The costs of standing up testing and contact tracing are substantial, but the cost of inaction or only meeting the minimum standards set by the state to reopen will likely be more costly in terms of jobs and lives lost. Our subsequent papers in this series will address the economic impacts of COVID-19 in our region and make the case for immediate collective investment and action needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, safely reopen our economy, and initiate community and economic recovery efforts in earnest.

Keywords: COVID-19, coronavirus, contact tracing, Oregon, testing, economic development

JEL Classification: I18, H12, h3, H51, H72 , H75, H83