Nemesis: Retaliation · Board game rules
When does the Rest and Infection procedure trigger?
Quick answer
The Infection Procedure is always performed at the End of the Game, and can also be triggered during the game by specific effects such as the Rest Action card.
Details
The rulebook explicitly states that the Infection Procedure is "always performed at the End of the Game, but may also sometimes be performed during the game (for example, by using the Rest Action card)" [p.38 — Procedures]. This means outside of the mandatory End of Game check, only certain card effects — the Rest Action card being the named example — can force an earlier resolution of this Procedure.
When the Infection Procedure is resolved, the Character scans all Contamination cards in hand, checks for the word "INFECTED," places a Larva on their Character board if any card qualifies, and then moves all Contamination cards to the top of their discard pile [p.38 — Procedures].
Watch out: The rulebook does not provide the specific text or full effect of the Rest Action card itself — it is only referenced as an example of a card that can trigger this Procedure mid-game. If you need the exact conditions or additional effects of the Rest card, check the card text directly, as it isn't detailed elsewhere in this rulebook.