To minimize class closures as much as possible, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health and the Ministry of National Education, Youth, and Sports have implemented a pilot reactive testing strategy in parts of mainland France. The analysis and interpretation of this pilot program were entrusted to Santé publique France. The results published today show that this strategy has helped prevent class closures but requires adjustments in the context of high incidence rates.

What are the objectives of reactive SARS-CoV-2 testing in schools?

The reactive testing strategy aims to ensure educational continuity and the well-being of as many children as possible by avoiding the systematic closure of classes in the presence of a probable or confirmed case, through the exclusion of only confirmed cases identified during two successive rounds of testing one week apart. The pilot program was conducted in all preschool and elementary schools across ten departments representative of the country’s geography and epidemiological situation.

Key takeaways from the evaluation of the reactive testing strategy after 5 weeks of implementation

The evaluation conducted by Santé publique France covered two periods: before and after the fall break.

The analysis shows strong participation by parents and students from the start of the pilot program when testing was organized: 75% of students were tested during Period 1 (October 11–22, 2021) and 82% were tested during Period 2 (November 8–26, 2021). The pilot program prevented the closure of 58% of classes during Period 1 and 26% during Period 2, even as testing rates declined. Furthermore, the results of PCR tests conducted on students outside the class of a detected case show that contact tracing is necessary, as it helps identify secondary cases.

No increase in the number of positive results (whether in the first or second round of testing) was observed during the second phase of the trial, even though viral circulation had risen sharply across all age groups and throughout mainland France. This may suggest that, under current conditions, schools are not a site of massive amplification of viral circulation, likely due to mask-wearing and the implementation of other preventive measures.

The system therefore appears to be generally effective, but more difficult to implement when incidence rates are high.