SARS-CoV-2 testing for public health use: core principles and considerations for defined use settings

Abstract

With many regions of the world seeing a rise in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases, borders, schools, and workplaces are partially or fully closed, and physical interactions are restricted. Although vaccine roll-out has begun in numerous countries,1 it will take many months to complete. Meanwhile, communities are reliant on diagnostic testing in conjunction with other public health measures to keep facilities open. Until now, testing for SARS-CoV-2 has been mostly limited to use for clinical confirmation and care, but some countries are now implementing widespread testing for public health use and risk management.