Optimal use of COVID-19 Ag-RDT screening at border crossings to prevent community transmission: A modeling analysis

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000086
• Publication Date: 2022-05-16T17:22:18Z
• Authors: Joshua M. Chevalier; Karla Therese L. Sy; Sarah J. Girdwood; Shaukat Khan; Heidi Albert; Amy Toporowski; Emma Hannay; Sergio Carmona; Brooke E. Nichols
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Research Article; 3. Good health

Countries around the world have implemented restrictions on mobility, especially cross-border travel to reduce or prevent SARS-CoV-2 community transmission. Rapid antigen testing (Ag-RDT), with on-site administration and rapid turnaround time may provide a valuable screening measure ease while minimizing risk of local To maximize impact, we developed an optimal Ag-RDT algorithm for entry. Using previously mathematical model, determined daily number imported COVID-19 cases that would generate no more than relative 1% increase in over one month different effective reproductive numbers (Rt) prevalence within recipient country. We then algorithm-for differing levels Rt, arrivals per day, mode travel, amongst travelers-to determine minimum proportion people need at border crossings ensure greater spread increase. When international and/or increases, required test using increases. At very high arrivals/COVID-19 prevalence, is not sufficient increased spread, when country Rt are low. In these cases, be supplemented other measures An efficient depends strongly epidemic status country, volume land air arrivals, sensitivity, among travelers.