Between November 16 and 22, around 1.4 million virological tests (RT-PCR) were performed, against 2.3 million at the beginning of the month, according to figures from the Directorate of Research, Studies, evaluation and statistics.
A decrease in particular attributable to confinement, and which reduces the time taken to obtain results.
The number of virological screening tests for Covid-19 carried out in France fell sharply for the second week in a row, according to official data published on Thursday, in the context of confinement and while health authorities ensure that the "peak" of the second wave has now passed.
Between November 16 and 22, around 1.4 million virological tests (RT-PCR) were carried out, against 1.8 million the previous week and 2.3 million at the beginning of November, indicates the Directorate of Research, studies, evaluation and statistics (Drees).
"In a context of confinement, in the space of two weeks, the observed drop rose to 900,000, and the number of tests returned to the level observed in mid-October, or even at the end of September," said this service. dependent on the Ministry of Health.
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As a result of this reduced volume, the time taken to obtain results "is significantly shortened": "66% of RT-PCR tests validated last week were taken in the previous 24 hours (compared to 52% the week of 9 to 15 November), a level that had not been reached since mid-June, "said Drees.
The proportion of tests validated in less than 48 hours is also increasing: 93% against 84% the previous week.