Germany's ample testing and contact tracing operation has been so successful that it identified the first coronavirus transmission in the country. The combination of adequate testing and contact tracing has interrupted transmission and held down death rates in Taiwan, South Korea, Iceland and other countries as well.
In April the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control told National Public Radio that mass testing and a "very aggressive" contact tracing program would be needed for the U.S. to begin to return to normal daily movements and interactions. Private-sector advisors have urged Congress to increase funding for these efforts.