Despite the end of the health emergency declared by the WHO for the Covid pandemic, the monitoring of the Sars-CoV-2 variants in circulation continues in Italy. Estimating its prevalence with Flash surveys and through a continuous flow of sequencing are the two objectives indicated in the new circular of the Ministry of Health, valid from the first of June.
The next Flash Survey - it is indicated in the circular - is scheduled for the first week of June 2023.
"In view of the current epidemiological situation, which sees a drastic decrease in the number of molecular swabs, and in order to ensure the continuation of sequencing activities", the circular indicates two recommendations. The first is to keep the InfluNet/RespiVirNet surveillance system active", whose monitoring period ended on 30 April 2023, but the Regions and Autonomous Provinces on a voluntary basis can continue epidemiological and virological surveillance, using the appropriate portal that will remain open until the beginning of the new season (October 2023).
The second recommendation is to put in place all the necessary measures in order to ensure the minimum number of sequencing "possibly increasing the involvement of general practitioners, pediatricians of free choice or other realities deemed suitable".
During the transition period, it is recommended to continue the sequencing activities in place for the continuous monitoring of Sars-CoV-2 variants, in order to give continuity to the collection of data at national and international level, and to adhere to the requirements of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.