Covid-19: the number of screening tests down sharply since the end of their reimbursement – franceinfo

This was an expected consequence of the end of reimbursements. The number of Covid-19 tests has dropped significantly. In all, 2.3 million tests were performed during the week of October 18 to 24, according to figures released Thursday, October 28 by the Ministry of Health. The directorate of research, studies and statistical evaluation (Drees) relieves “a decrease of 675,200 tests” compared to the previous week, when 2.97 million tests were performed.

This decrease concerns “especially 16-65 year olds” and comes from two effects: the end of free testing which leads to a reduction in volumes and “the anticipation of the end of free testing”, which on the contrary encouraged a surge just before October 15.

Since that date, tests are no longer reimbursed for people who are not fully vaccinated or for exceptional cases (medical prescription, contact case, recent positive test, contraindication).