Fight against Covid-19 among populations in great precariousness in France: sharing knowledge on screening strategies

In April 2021, Santé Publique France published the French COVID-19 screening strategy. With the ongoing pandemic circumstances this screening strategy remains essential, with systematic screening (TROD) to take into account asymptomatic cases and adapt to the context of the density of people in very precarious situations, often housed in collective accommodation, and to the dynamics of the epidemic in a context of tensions on hospitals and the housing stock.

They note that during the pandemic, the basic needs (water, food, hygiene) of this population but also its needs regarding access to care, digital technology, education and better mental health care are even more important. The strengthening of links between the social and health sectors, in particular via mobile teams, must be consolidated and sustained, since in a crisis situation, the orientation of these populations towards common law mechanisms may be insufficient for adequate care. The modalities of accommodation and isolation raise ethical and legal questions, highlighted by the testimonies of the actors. The security issue can hinder social work and highlights the need to preserve this approach of “moving towards” in crisis situations. The support of professionals, especially in the social sector, over time with the appropriate tools, by valuing the capacities of people to adapt as best they can and the development of appropriate interventions, co-constructed and integrating participatory aspects must mobilize Public Health France.

Find the press release and full report (in French) here.