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Abstract

Background: The world has experienced several phases of waves and remission of the SARS-CoV-2 called “pandemic waves” during the past two years: The first one in February and March 2020, followed by a remission in summer and a relapse in autumn 2021. In Ticino several Check-points (CP) have been created as hubs where citizens could get an oropharyngeal swab for free since the end of March 2020.

Methods: The study was conducted from March 2020 until the end of March 2021. All subjects undergoing an oropharyngeal swab for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection at any Checkpoint filled the questionnaire on personal data, symptoms, chronic diseases and the reason for the swab. Checkpoints were created in Ticino with the purpose of collecting people with symptoms of COVID-19, who needed a swab. They were meant to protect emergency rooms and family doctors from an overload of patients needing testing for COVID-19 and a quick medical evaluation.

Results: We collected epidemiological data from 12525 subjects, of which 12082 were included in the analysis. We registered a “first and second wave” of the pandemic in Ticino, in March and April 2020 and from October 2020 until March 2021. The most frequent reason for having a swab was the presence of symptoms. We found that men, elderly persons and persons with specific symptoms (fever, loss of taste and smell, and cough) were more likely to have a swab positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion: The Ticino model of creating CPs where people could quickly get a medical check-up and an oropharyngeal swab, was useful in flattening the pandemic curve. Ticino experienced two major pandemic waves, as noticed in the CPs’ attendance.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; Bronchitis; Pneumonia; Taste dysfunction