In front of the large free PCR screening center at the Palais des Expositions in Nice.

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SYSPEO / SIPA

Saliva tests to detect the new coronavirus will "very likely be put in place at the end of September or the beginning of October," said the president of the Scientific Council Jean-François Delfraissy on Tuesday before the senatorial commission of inquiry on the management of the Covid- 19.

According to him, these saliva tests - the sample of which is easier than that in the nose and less unpleasant for the person tested - would make it possible to have "a simpler strategy" of tests.

The data from the evaluation in the Paris region and in Guyana show, from a saliva sample, "a very good specificity and a sensitivity of around 80%, which is sufficient," said Jean-François Delfraissy .

"The French public health system (...) was not ready for a tsunami"

"The French public health system (...) was not ready for a tsunami" like that of the Covid-19 epidemic, he also declared, estimating that "what comes out of this crisis, c 'is the problem of the reorganization of public health in France ”.

"I would like to express a regret, this is what happened in nursing homes", he also assured, before recalling that the Scientific Council is there "to enlighten the government and (do not is) absolutely not a 3rd medical power ”, because“ it is the politician who decides ”.

Professor Delfraissy finally wished that, "if there was a resumption of the virus in the weeks or months to come, we do not repeat what happened in nursing homes and that everything be ready".

Out of 30,000 deaths from Covid-19 in France, more than 10,000 have taken place in social and medico-social establishments, including nursing homes.

In addition, many nursing home residents suffered from the isolation imposed during confinement, from March to May.

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