More than 46,700 people participate in the first week of the ENECovid19 study, which will estimate the population's immunity against the virus


More than 46,700 people have already participated in the national epidemiology study ENECovid19 during its first week, whose recruitment phase ends next Monday, May 11. It is the first of the three waves of which the study consists. In total, the forecast is to reach the figure of between 60,000 and 90,000 participants.

Telephone calls to the 35,000 randomly chosen households throughout Spain are being carried out in parallel with the sampling of the participants in the health centers and homes.

The purpose of this study, designed by the Ministry of Health and the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) with the collaboration of Statistics National Institute (INE) and the autonomous communities, is to estimate the percentage of the Spanish population that has developed antibodies against the new SARSCoV-2 coronavirus (a concept known as seroprevalence). The information obtained will be extremely relevant for public health decision-making in the State as a whole.

The role of the Primary Care services of the National Health System is being especially relevant throughout the whole process, with a very prominent participation of the nursing staff in the elaboration of questionnaires, rapid tests for the detection of antibodies and the taking of samples through blood tests. In total, 1,919 health centers participate directly in the development of the study, with more than 9,000 professionals.

In this sense, the Minister of Health, Salvador Illa, has expressed, in his weekly appearance before the Health and Consumption Commission of the Congress of Deputies, his thanks to all the professionals of the National Health System who are carrying out this study. seroprevalence.

Exemplary citizen response

A thank you that has extended to the group of citizens participating in the study and that exceeds 46,700 people. This figure, according to Minister Illa, "demonstrates that the response of the public is being exemplary. It is something that the public is already accustomed to, but, I insist, we must show our gratitude before another proof of their commitment and responsibility" .

All the information being collected is being dumped into a computer system designed specifically for study by the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Health is developing an audiovisual campaign aimed at social networks to sensitize citizens of the importance of their collaboration, which is voluntary, to find out the real impact of the pandemic.

The study, which began on April 27, will last 8 weeks and will provide key data for decision-making in public health policies.



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