We never forget the rules of hygiene, such as washing hands, and protective measures, from the mask in crowded places and the distance between people. But certainly in this new phase of Covid-19 with the predominance of the Omicron variant, the meaning of measures such as contact tracing, the need for isolation and school management must be reviewed.
In this sense, a document developed by the experts of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SiTI), which indicates precisely how to deal with this new phase, highlighting the importance of vaccinations. Experts point out that a clearer stance is also hoped for on the added value of vaccine immune coverage compared to protection from natural disease, demystifying that it is dangerous to vaccinate a recovered person. Furthermore, for the other vaccinations, the priority is the recovery of vaccination activities, also using the current vaccination hubs in the coming months for the recovery of all unvaccinated cohorts at different ages.
Case tracking and research
Contact tracking o Contact Tracing is an essential public health measure to combat the spread of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, together with active research and timely diagnosis of cases and in synergy with other prevention and physical distancing measures. The aim is to favor early diagnosis and to interrupt the chains of contagion by rapidly identifying and taking charge of secondary cases.
It has its maximum usefulness in the presence of a limited number of cases (<15 cases / 100,000 inhabitants) and its relevance decreases as the number of cases increases. When the infection spreads with the intensity and speed of the current epidemiological picture, it no longer has any use and it is also impossible to implement. However, it should always be insured at least in certain high-risk contexts (hospitals, facilities for the elderly, prisons, etc.).
Experts propose to simplify and modulate tracking in relation to the spread of the disease and automate its implementation throughout the National Health Service (as already implemented in some regions and autonomous provinces) also through computerized procedures for acquiring the results of diagnostic tests and messaging to patients in support of the correct protocols of isolation and healing.
With regard to active case research, early diagnosis and continuous genomic sequencing programs, experts report that these measures are of fundamental importance for the prevention of the spread of the infection and for monitoring the circulation of viral variants, as well as for initiating treatment. early home care in patients with risk factors for the development of severe forms of the disease. Therefore, the proximity diagnostic network must be maintained in order to ensure easy access to the test when appropriate.
In particular he tests it should be carried out as soon as possible in the event of the appearance of symptoms potentially related to Covird-19, also considering the general health of the person and the possible presence of other pathologies. The tests should also be provided after exposure to risk for subjects who have conditions that predispose to severe forms of Covid-19 (diabetes, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lack of immune protection, etc.).
On the other hand, it would not be the case to test asymptomatic subjects recovered for less than 120 days, asymptomatic subjects vaccinated with a booster dose, asymptomatic subjects vaccinated with a primary course completed by less than 120 days. It is also proposed to suspend the use of the preventive tampon for the purpose of the Green Pass and monitoring is recommended for health professionals working in areas of particular risk in hospitals and communities.
What to do at school
Experts indicate in their document four measures to be taken for a safe school, considering as such the one with high vaccination coverage. In particular, the proposals are:
- Align the school surveillance system with indications valid for the general population;
- Monitor the temperature at the entrance and promote self-surveillance in the presence of cases in the classroom.
- Speed up vaccinations in schools, particularly in the 5-12 age group.
- Only remove sick pupils from school.