Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

August 19, 2020

Comparison of Molecular Testing Strategies for COVID-19 Control: A Mathematical Modelling Study

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  • Mathematical modeling by Grassly et al. indicates optimal SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies would include regular screening of high-risk groups such as health-care and social-care workers during periods of sustained transmission and testing of people with COVID-19 symptoms and tracing and quarantining their contacts. Test and trace requires high coverage and rapid testing and contact tracing to be effective. Testing alone is unlikely to bring the viral reproductive number below 1 at current levels of immunity and would need to be complemented by other interventions. 

Grassly et al. (Aug 18, 2020). Comparison of Molecular Testing Strategies for COVID-19 Control: A Mathematical Modelling Study. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30630-7