CONTROL: effectiveness & optimization of source and contact research to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2

Source and contact research (BCO) is of great importance to limit the spread of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). In order to investigate and improve the effectiveness of BCO, seven GGDs (Amsterdam, South Limburg, Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Groningen, Flevoland, Hart voor Brabant, Regio Utrecht) and the RIVM-CIb are starting a joint scientific project: CONTROL. CONTROL will evaluate the process and effectiveness of the BCO. It will examine which characteristics of people with the coronavirus and their contacts determine the lead time and effectiveness of the BCO. Barriers and success factors for the BCO will be identified in consultation with field parties and an improvement plan will be drawn up. It will also investigate which factors are predictive of further virus spread. In addition, a tool will be developed to perform BCO quickly and intensively for people with the coronavirus who could potentially infect many others. On January 28, 2022, the paper "Self-reported symptoms as predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population living in the Amsterdam region, the Netherlands." published.