Thread by @CPHO_Canada

1/9 So how do we know we are testing enough? One way is to monitor the % of positive tests among all of the #COVID19 tests conducted over the course of a week.

2/9 A high % positive, indicates that we may not be testing enough to detect all the cases. We want to cast our net wide around where the virus is spreading.

3/9 We aim for a low percentage positive, below 10%, which is an international benchmark. This indicates we are casting our net wide enough to capture any cases that may be occurring in the area.

4/9 In #COVID19 hotpots, testing many people with even mild symptoms, and in some cases testing people at risk who may NOT be showing symptoms, ensures that we are looking hard to #TestandTrace to find & stamp out chains of transmission.

5/9 🇨🇦 has maintained <10% positive #COVID19 lab tests throughout the pandemic. As #Publichealth #TestandTrace has intensified, the daily number of people tested has steadily increased and the % positive has continued to decline.

6/9 This past week, an average of 33,000 people were tested daily across 🇨🇦 , with 2% of these people testing positive. This low % positive indicates that our surveillance is sensitive, testing broadly to pick up #COVID19 cases. #TestandTrace

7/9 These numbers/%s are important for #publichealth & governments at all levels to maintain careful monitoring of #COVID19 surveillance sensitivity and to make adjustments to laboratory testing & epidemic control strategies as needed.

8/9 Canadians can play an important role in testing, By ensuring everybody has stigma-free and barrier free laboratory testing, we can ensure optimal access to testing, allowing us to detect cases early & stop #COVID19 transmission quickly.

9/9 Help keep our surveillance and testing sensitive. #HelpOthers by supporting friends, neighbours & colleagues who go for testing, especially those who test positive for #COVID19, no one is immune to infection. #AllinThisTogether #KindnessMatters