Testing, isolation and infection tracing

Part 1 – Testing

Robust and cost-effective preparedness that can be adapted to epidemiological developments at the required speed.

Testing:

PCR testing within healthcare for patients in the healthcare system.
Generally available PCR tests. Testing capacity over the summer enables e.g. testing for people in target groups for antiviral tablet treatment and testing of travellers.
Over the summer, ask caregivers in social care and elder care to be tested twice a week with antigen self-tests. As of 15 August, the recommendation for PCR testing will be reintroduced every 14 days for caregivers in social care and elder care.
Relatives of +85-year-olds in nursing homes, or who receive home care, can be given antigen self-tests and are encouraged to take a test prior to visiting.
There are no longer free tests by private suppliers.
Antigen self-test for use in targeted interventions, e.g. testing of staff in elder care.

Testing:

Flexible testing capacity to accommodate different scenarios.
Antigen self-tests and PCR tests complement each other and are suited to the epidemic situation.
Escalation with up to 30 000 daily PCR tests within the healthcare sector.
Escalation with up to 50 000 PCR tests with 14 days' notice up to a total testing capacity of 200 000 PCR tests within the community.
Repository of antigen self-testing for targeted efforts.

The health authorities consider it important that there are PCR test set-ups available for the groups covered by the test recommendations and for the purpose of following signals regarding the development of infections. The health authorities are of the opinion that the testing capacity at the basic level supports current test recommendations and monitoring.
In order to begin antiviral tablet treatment in time, the Danish Health Authority and Medicines Authority recommends that persons at increased risk of severe symptoms of covid-19 should undergo a test. This should be done without delay so the patient can be treated appropriately.
The possibility of identifying and risk-assessing new variants is strengthened by escalation, where more tests are carried out that can be included in the monitoring.
PCR testing of at-risk groups also contributes to the monitoring of waning immunity in the population.

Effective outbreak management as well as infection tracing via phone hotline(s) that citizens can call for advice.

ISOLATION AND INFECTION/CONTACT TRACING:

Self-service solution for infected people via the "minsundhed" app or online (sundhed.dk) if you get a positive test result.
Capacity (possibility for 500 daily calls) using the Contact tracing hotline, so citizens can call and get advice for their own infection tracing and isolation.
Focus on outbreak management and tracing in nursing homes, residential facilities etc., in home care and in the healthcare system.
Capacity of the corona tracing hotline, which supports the possibility of escalation of efforts.

ISOLATION AND INFECTION/CONTACT TRACING:

Possibility of intensified infection tracing, including as part of efforts to delay the spread of worrisome variants crossing the border.
Escalation with up to 6500 daily calls over 3 weeks.
Possibility of reinstatement of public isolation facilities.

Outbreak management in areas where there are elderly and vulnerable areas such as nursing homes, special schools and social housing services, is still considered relevant.
The SSI and Danish Patient Safety Authority assess that infection tracing ensures information reaches the general population and relieves the burden on the healthcare system, especially for general practitioners.