If a second wave of coronavirus resurfaces, local health officials say we are in much better shape to handle it.

Experts anticipate a resurgence of the coronavirus in the fall and next winter and Executive Director of the DeWitt/Piatt Bi-County Health Department, Dave Remmert says the data surrounding capacity in hospitals and anticipates by the fall, kids will be back in schools.

For Paul Skowron, CEO of Warner Hospital and Health Services in Clinton, his hope is testing will become more accurate and more cost-effective. He says testing will be a stop-gap until a vaccine is developed.

In support of opening the economy sooner, Skowron believes the coronavirus is not a surprise anymore and we are now better prepared for any second wave or eruption that might occur in late summer or fall. He adds, PPE is in place, testing equipment and faster turnaround of results, as well as improved  health care processes regarding patient flow that will prevent infection. Any future outbreak will be swiftly attacked head on.