Active testing of groups at increased risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 in Canada: costs and human resource needs

Abstract

o suppress the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many countries have adopted social-isolation measures. 1,2 These efforts have been largely successful but have had major economic implications. As of June 2020, the Canadian federal fiscal response alone was an estimated $169.2 billion. 3 Further, unemployment in June 2020 was 12% 4 and real gross domestic product is projected to fall 8.4% in 2020. These consequences have led to demands to reopen the economy quickly. verse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is primarily used to detect acute SARS-CoV-2. 8 0] 4]