Evaluating the Usefulness of Population-Wide COVID-19 Testing in the Omicron Era: Insights from a German Model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, which has become dominant worldwide since late 2021, presents a unique challenge due to its high rate of asymptomatic transmission. This study evaluates the efficacy and value of population-wide testing, including self-testing, in the context of COVID-19, particularly under the Omicron variant, using data from Germany.

Methods

A decision-analytical model and secondary data was used for assessing the impact of systematic screening and testing for COVID-19. Various scenarios were taken into consideration including seasonal patterns of COVID-19 transmission and the potential for annual waves. The model assessed the clinical benefits of testing against the backdrop of vaccine effectiveness, transmission rates, and the potential to pr

SUBMITTER: Gandjour A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11626928 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature