Testing and self-isolation will be more effective than confinement

During the Covid-19 pandemic, most countries, including France, have chosen to restrict the population by halting part of economic activity, favoring telework and closing schools. but, According to a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers at the University of WyomingHowever, a random testing strategy would outperform this physical distancing strategy in mitigating the effects of the pandemic.

adverse effects of containment measures

According to the researchers, the containment measures had a negative impact on the economy, which led to a decline in production and consumption, and led to a decrease in employment, loss of income, and various negative effects on physical and mental health due to the limitation of social interactions.

In addition, containment measures have caused delays in non-COVID-19 medical care. These economic and health effects were greatest in countries where containment measures were the most stringent.

Benefits of the test and isolation strategy

The strategy of testing and self-isolation of patients who test positive for the virus helps reduce the spread of the virus by quickly identifying and isolating infected people to prevent them from spreading the disease. This strategy also makes it possible to reduce the economic and social impact of containment measures, while ensuring a better health response.

In fact, people who test positive are quickly quarantined to prevent them from infecting others. People who have been in contact with patients can also be tested to prevent them from spreading the virus as well. Thus, this strategy makes it possible to limit the spread of the virus in a more targeted and less costly manner than general containment measures.

An epidemiological and economic model to compare different strategies

To reach these conclusions, the researchers used epidemiological and economic data to measure the effects of different public health policies. In particular, they modeled the spread of the epidemic in a simulated population, as well as the economic effects of containment measures and the testing and self-isolation strategy.

The results show that containment measures generate higher economic costs than the testing and self-isolation strategy. On the other hand, testing and self-isolation measures are more effective in containing the epidemic and have only a limited economic impact.