Manual contact tracing raises questions

As the number of new cases in Luxembourg has risen, manual contact tracing has become more vital than ever before, while also raising a number of questions.

The extraordinary infrastructure requires a large number of staff to not only contact those who have tested positive for Covid-19, but also all their contacts. In additional, technical support is needed, and those covering the phones must be capable of speaking multiple languages, according to Minister of Health Paulette Lenert. However the advantage of the manual method is the ability to contact people individually, which has led to the ongoing extension of employee training.

The tracing service is provided by competent and patient people, according to the minister.

Raising awareness is also a vital aspect of the phone work, especially during this holiday period, to ensure that everyone assumes a sense of personal responsibility.

Professor Laetitia Huart, in charge of contact tracing, explained that even residents on holiday must respect an imposed quarantine if advised to do so by the authorities. People are encouraged to think about their families as well as others, using common sense and taking responsibilities seriously.

The virus incubation period is especially risky, as in most cases symptoms do not appear and the virus cannot be detected in testing. Despite recent criticism pertaining to false negatives, Doctor Jean-Claude Schmit, Director of Health, explained that it does not apply to these specific cases.

Dr Schmit said a false negative was often caused by a sample taken incorrectly or suffering damage between the screening centre and the laboratory. He also explained that the timing of the test plays a crucial role, as the virus cannot be detected if the screening occurs too early.

It is therefore important to stress that the result obtained remains the analysis of a very precise moment and that the situation can evolve thereafter, said Dr Schmit.