Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identifies cost-efficient SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures

SANCHEZ-TALTAVULL, D.; Castelo-Szekely, V.; Murugan, S.; Rollenske, T.; Ganal-Vonarburg, S. C.; Buchi, I.; Keogh, A.; Li, H.; Salm, L.; Spari, D.; Yilmaz, B.; Zimmermann, J.; UVCM-COVID researchers,; Gerfin, M.; Roldan, E.; Beldi, G.

Protecting healthcare professionals is crucial in maintaining a functioning healthcare system. The risk of infection and optimal preventive strategies for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic remain poorly understood. Here we report the results of a weekly testing regime that has been performed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify pre- and asymptomatic healthcare workers. Based on these observations we have developed a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission that integrates the sources of infection from inside and outside the hospital. The data were used to study how regular testing and a desynchronisation protocol are effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 infection at work, and compared both strategies in terms of workforce availability and cost-effectiveness. We showed that case incidence among healthcare workers is higher than would be explained solely by community infection. Furthermore, while testing and desynchronisation protocols are both effective in preventing nosocomial transmission, regular testing maintains work productivity with implementation costs.