Monday, May 11, marked the start of the release from containment. The national strategy presented by the government on April 28 provides for a massive screening campaign, for all those who present symptoms and all those who have been in contact with sick people, with a goal of 700,000 viological tests (RT-PCR) – (polymerase chain reaction, editor’s note) per week.
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Who is affected by the Covid-19 screening test?
Systematic tests for sick people and their contacts
These virological diagnostic tests (RT-PCR) make it possible to detect the presence of the virus via a nasal sample. They will be performed on medical prescription issued by the attending physician.
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How does the test take place?
This test makes it possible to specify whether, at an instant T, the person is carrying the virus or not. This is a test non invasive, which only takes a few seconds. This test consists of collect nasal cells deep using a swab, a kind of long cotton swab that is inserted into the nasal cavities, up to about 15 cm.
“In order to avoid false negatives, health professionals point out that it is necessary to explore the two nostrils during sampling,” indicates the website of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health.
How will the tracing of the “contact cases” of the Covid-19 in Eure-et-Loir take place?
What should I do if I think I have been infected with the virus?
- If you have symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, fever, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of taste or smell, sore throat or headache always wear a mask general public in contact with other people outside.
- Contact a doctor as soon as possible, in order to organize a teleconsultation or a home visit if possible, or a consultation in an office on a furnished beach. A virological test (RT-PCR) may be prescribed if it suspects Covid-19. If you have difficulty getting in touch with a doctor, you can contact on-call doctors. To do this, dial 0 800 130 000, ask for information on the Internet, or contact your pharmacy or medical analysis laboratory for the list of doctors on call.
- In case of emergency or serious signs (breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, malaise, etc.), dial 15;
- Identify the nearest screening center to you and make an appointment; bring your identity card, vital card and prescription to take the sample;
- After the test, go home and stay confined pending the results of the test; you are usually informed of the results 24 hours later.
How do you know if you are infected with the coronavirus? An official site allows you to assess your symptoms
What if I have been identified as a “contact person” by a general practitioner or by health insurance?
- Always wear a general public mask in contact with other people outside;
- Contact a screening center (list available on sante.fr) to make an appointment. The test should take place immediately if you live in the same household as the infected person or by observing 7 days after your last contact with this person, if you do not live with them;
- Go to the screening center with your identity card, your vital card and your prescription to take the sample;
- Then go home and stay confined pending the test results; the results will be known 24 hours later.
Where to get tested?
These tests can be done in public and private laboratories, including research and veterinary laboratories and reimbursed 100% by Health Insurance.
Protect, test, isolate: how to use deconfinement
Stéphanie Zeimet
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