Mass screening continues in France.
More than 11 million Covid-19 screening tests were carried out last week.
A trend that could continue in the coming weeks.
In this context, it is necessary to “strengthen the screening offer on the national territory”, indicates the DGS (General Directorate of Health) which details in a press release published on Friday, the regulations planned so that new centers can open.
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First of all, these screening centers must present "sufficient guarantees of quality and health safety", recalls the DGS.
Similarly, the creation of a center outside the usual place of exercise of a carer must be the subject of a prior declaration to the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
Note, the list of professionals authorized to carry out tests has now been extended according to a decree published in the Official Journal to align with those practicing vaccination.
Among them, there are now speech therapists, chiropodists, orthoptists, medical physicists, occupational therapists, dieticians, eyewear opticians, dental assistants and even veterinarians.
These health professionals will be able to set up barnums outside their usual place of practice.
“Checks may be carried out”
Only the tests appearing on the list of the ministry can be used in France, recalls the DGS. Caregivers are invited to obtain supplies of tests “as a priority from a local pharmacy”. These professionals will also have to ensure that the storage conditions of these devices allow them to give "a secure result", continues the public health authority. Another reminder, traceability remains the responsibility of the actors throughout the chain. Checks may be carried out to ensure compliance with these conditions.
Also, it is recommended that the centers organized outside the places of practice of a professional, practice screening only for people carrying out tests covered by health insurance.
In other words, people wishing to carry out a paid test will have to go to a pharmacy or a biology laboratory.
Finally, collective screening operations can always be organized by the ARS, prefectures and establishments, "in the case of a cluster or suspected clusters", continues the DGS.
These operations will thus remain “complementary to the individual screening offer” provided by health professionals.