Epidemiological evaluation of mass testing in a small municipality in the Netherlands during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic

• DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822001777
• Publication Date: 2022-11-15T05:21:16Z
• Authors: Lisanne Heijmink; Juul Tönis; Niek Gilhuis; Maartje Gerkema; Lotte Hart; Stijn Raven; Jossy van den Boo...; Agnetha Hofhuis; Susan van den Hof; Olga Visser
• Keywords: mass screening; 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; Primary and Community Care - Radboud University Medical Center; SARS-CoV-2; Humans; COVID-19; COVID-19 testing; Radboudumc 4: lnfectious Diseases and Global Health RIHS: Radboud Institute for Health Sciences; Institute for Management Research; Netherlands; 3. Good health

Abstract During 6 weeks in February–March 2021, the Dutch municipal health service Utrecht studied epidemiological effects on test incidence and detection of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with mass testing (MT). MT, inhabitants Bunschoten could repeatedly regardless symptoms as often desired at close-by facilities municipality. Data from regular COVID-19 registration was used for analysis. In Bunschoten, MT caused a significant increase an immediate number detected active infections, contrast to stabilisation rest province Utrecht. Age distribution shifted older population during MT. there 6.8 percentage point asymptomatic cases, 0.4 pre-symptomatic cases decrease 0.5 days between onset date. This study has shown that increases helps obtain more complete view presence SARS-CoV-2 community, which can be useful specific situations defined target group or goal. However, question remains open whether use is proportionate overall gain.