New French guidelines to adapt the “Isolate/Detect/Trace” strategy for COVID‐19 adult peoples or contacts considering the exponential spread of Omicron variant

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The objectives were to elaborate new recommendations for the French Government taking into account the new epidemiological situation due to Omicron variant of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and to maintain essential functions of the State through socioeconomic and health life. Method Two self‐decision matrix were built for isolation (cases) and quarantine (contacts) and for citizen testing, respectively. The recommendations included in the two matrix were validated internally by experts and scientists from the scientist literature. Results A strategic breakdown into five phases corresponding to the possible phases of Omicron variants spread was built. Exceptional and transitory derogation for essential activities was proposed in fully vaccinated professionals. Suspension of quarantine period for fully vaccinated contacts and professionals was proposed with routine self‐testing program. Conclusion These new HCSP guidelines aims to preserve public health as a whole and to minimize the socioeconomic and health consequences linked to the emergence of the Omicron variant by making trade‐offs/adaptations in dependent scientist contexts. Patient or Public Contribution HCSP scientists and experts were in charge of drafting the recommendations and promoting them to the Government for their application by regulatory decree voted by law.

Keywords

• Covid‐19
• guidelines
• isolation
• quarantine
• testing