In Europe, several countries introduced mass screening but in Italy, the Province of Bolzano has been the first to use it, introducing a paradigm shift in management of the Covid-19 emergency.
The “Rapid tests in South Tyrol” program (20-22 November 2020) tested about 65% of the population and was followed by the “Monitoring South Tyrol” program, so far unique in Europe, which monitored a representative sample of the population of over 20,000 people (December 2020-April 2021). The process was characterized by the close collaboration between public institutions and between these and private associations, by the strong investment in research and experimentation of innovative solutions and by individual and collective responsibility, accouting for the effects of the choices made not only in terms of health, but also in terms of economic and social impact.