Impact of mass testing during an epidemic rebound of SARS-CoV-2: A modelling study

We used a mathematical model to evaluate the impact of mass testing in the control of SARS-CoV-2. Under optimistic assumptions, we find that one round of mass testing may reduce daily infections by up to 20-30%. As a consequence, very frequent testing would be required to control a quickly growing epidemic if other control measures were to be relaxed. Mass testing is most relevant when epidemic growth remains limited, thanks to a combination of interventions.