On an optimal testing strategy for workplace settings operating during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Daily SARS-CoV-2 testing is a standard workplace measure during the pandemic.
• Testing is often limited by cost, availability, and logistical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an optimal SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy for workplaces.
• To minimize the presence of pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic infected individuals.

Main Methods:

• Statistical modeling under simplifying assumptions.
• Numerical simulations to verify strategy robustness.
• Analysis of testing at 5% and 10% of the population daily.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in infected-person-days (IPD) were demonstrated.
• A 30% IPD reduction was achieved with 5% daily testing.
• A 50% IPD reduction was achieved with 10% daily testing.

Conclusions:

• An optimized testing strategy can efficiently utilize limited SARS-CoV-2 testing resources.
• Workplace testing strategies can substantially decrease overall infection burden.
• This approach offers a robust method for managing workplace SARS-CoV-2 transmission.