PHCC conducts study to estimate extent of Covid-19 spread in the country

PHCC conducts study to estimate extent of Covid-19 spread in the country

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has conducted a study to estimate the extent of the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic using the molecular test (PCR) in addition to blood samples to determine the level of immunity. The first phase of the survey was carried out at the end of July 2020. The prevalence rate based on antibody and molecular tests among the registered population at PHCC was estimated at 14.6%. This rate was the lowest among children between the ages of 10 and 17 years (9.7%), and the highest among the elderly (19.8%) aging 60 years and over. The percentage of infection was higher in males compared to females with a great variation according to nationality and municipalities. The second phase of the study was carried out by the end of October 2020. The individuals who participated in the first phase of the study were invited to retest the antibodies in addition to the molecular test by nose and throat swabs.