“but not reduced it enough that contact tracing is likely viable”
For example, NYC has seemingly slowed the spread enough it’s possible to Test for and track new cases. But if you dig into their numbers 4,264 deaths are linked to COVID but where not tested prior to death. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-data.page. They have little idea who’s currently infected and “ Due to delays in reporting, recent data are incomplete.”
Essentially they need a solid 2 weeks of minimal new cases. At which point they can start meaningful contract tracing, but contract tracing does not mean you can just get back to normal. Just slightly reduce the amount of isolation.
My understanding is that these tools are mostly being developed to allow reopening of things once the first wave dies down, with infrastructure in place to support contact tracing and reduce the impact of any second wave.
Reopen a small percentage of things, yes but not go back to normal. It provides minimal gain which is import only when the case reproduction rate is close to 1.
Remember, virus still doubles every 2-3 days under normal conditions. Without a vaccine or herd immunity, contact tracing alone does very little. It’s enough to reopen dental offices possibly hair salons, not schools.
