In its recommendations for a common approach to testing at European level, the European Commission has stated that the total time for a Covid-19 test, i.e. the time between requesting the test and obtaining the results, should not be more than 24 hours. This time limit is currently being met by fewer than a third of Member States.
The recommendations were approved by the Health Security Committee and published on 18 September. They complement a report on Covid-19 screening strategies and targets published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The document begins by reviewing the situation in Member States at the beginning of September. It emphasises that screening for symptomatic cases, followed by isolating confirmed cases and following up on contacts, is the cornerstone of an effective response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Testing and contact tracing are essential aspects of an effective response to Covid-19 and help keep the spread of the virus to a minimum. With the flu season imminent (...) it is more important than ever that all Member States have effective and robust screening strategies in place”, said Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides.
The document calls for testing of all symptomatic cases and, where possible, asymptomatic cases as well. If there are shortages of materials, as highlighted by Finland in its response, or difficulties in laboratories, as indicated by Denmark and the Netherlands, a priority system must be put in place.
With regard to reducing testing times, some Member States are a long way from the 24-hour target. And that does not include the situation on the ground, which is often worse than in official announcements (Belgium talks about a 16-hour delay, whereas people are having to wait at least 3 days for an appointment in Brussels). The document can be found at: https://bit.ly/2RCfk74 (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)