Listen: Is Faster Better?

The federal government is telling states to prepare for a vaccine as early as November. But a major trial has been put on hold. On this episode of Social Distance, James Hamblin and Katherine Wells look to staff writer Sarah Zhang for answers—and updates on a vaccine.

But before a vaccine arrives, is testing our best hope? Staff writer Alexis C. Madrigal joins to explain “rapid testing.” New methods could massively increase the number of tests, but are there obstacles to these breakthroughs making a difference?

Listen to the episode here:

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Here is a transcript of a portion of their conversation with Alexis C. Madrigal, edited and condensed for clarity:

Of course, a vaccine is the way out. But the vaccine’s not coming anytime soon, at least in a widespread way, regardless of how fast we can get it done. Testing is