  The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread rapidly across
the world, leading to enormous amounts of human death and economic loss. Until
definitive preventive or curative measures are developed, policies regarding
testing, contact tracing, and quarantine remain the best public health tools
for curbing viral spread. Testing is a crucial component of these efforts,
enabling the identification and isolation of infected individuals. Differences
in testing methodologies, time frames, and outcomes can have an impact on their
overall efficiency, usability and efficacy. In this early draft, we draw a
comparison between the various types of diagnostic tests including PCR,
antigen, and home tests in relation to their relative advantages,
disadvantages, and use cases. We also look into alternative and unconventional
methods. Further, we analyze the short-term and long-term impacts of the virus
and its testing on various verticals such as business, government laws,
policies, and healthcare.
