Nearly 6 million Covid tests were carried out last week in France, a record reached under the effect of the extension of the health pass, according to
official data made public this Thursday.
More than two thirds (67.4%) of these screenings were carried out by antigenic test, specifies in its press release the Directorate of research, studies, evaluation and statistics (Drees).
Record on August 13
Between August 9 and 15, “5,706,700 RT-PCR and antigen tests were validated (…), against 4,194,900 (…) the previous week, an increase of 1,511,700 SARS-CoV-2 tests “, Detailed the statistical service of social ministries, which notes an increase in antigenic tests of more than 57%, with 4 million tests carried out in one week.
The extension of the health pass on August 9 increased the frequency of tests by 40% compared to the previous Monday. The body also notes a second record, over a day, with more than a million tests validated Friday, August 13.
Most results in less than 24 hours
The increase was particularly strong for 25-40 year olds, for whom the share of tests increased by 47%. “To a lesser extent for 16-25 year olds (+ 35%) and 41-65 year olds (+ 40%)”, adds the statistical service.
Despite a computer bug on Saturday that disrupted the issuance of QR codes following antigen testing, Drees said test turnaround times are stable, with 98% delivered in less than 24 hours. While more than 122 million tests were carried out between March 1, 2020 and August 15, 2021, they will become chargeable from mid-October unless prescribed by a doctor.