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SARS-CoV-2 screening testing in schools for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sherby, Michael R; Walsh, Tyler J; Lai, Albert M; Neidich, Julie A; Balls-Berry, Joyce E; Morris, Stephanie M; Head, Richard; Prener, Christopher G; Newland, Jason G; Gurnett, Christina A.
  • Sherby MR; Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue Campus, Box 8111, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
  • Walsh TJ; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
  • Lai AM; Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
  • Neidich JA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
  • Balls-Berry JE; Department of Neurology, Division of Memory and Aging, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
  • Morris SM; Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue Campus, Box 8111, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
  • Head R; Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
  • Prener CG; Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
  • Newland JG; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
  • Gurnett CA; Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue Campus, Box 8111, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA. gurnettc@wustl.edu.
J Neurodev Disord ; 13(1): 31, 2021 09 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1381252
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools primarily for typically developing children is rare. However, less is known about transmission in schools for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who are often unable to mask or maintain social distancing. The objectives of this study were to determine SARS-CoV-2 positivity and in-school transmission rates using weekly screening tests for school staff and students and describe the concurrent deployment of mitigation strategies in six schools for children with IDD.

METHODS:

From November 23, 2020, to May, 28, 2021, weekly voluntary screening for SARS-CoV-2 with a high sensitivity molecular-based saliva test was offered to school staff and students. Weekly positivity rates were determined and compared to local healthcare system and undergraduate student screening data. School-based transmission was assessed among participants quarantined for in-school exposure. School administrators completed a standardized survey to assess school mitigation strategies.

RESULTS:

A total of 59 students and 416 staff participated. An average of 304 school staff and students were tested per week. Of 7289 tests performed, 21 (0.29%) new SARS-CoV-2 positive cases were identified. The highest weekly positivity rate was 1.2% (n = 4) across all schools, which was less than community positivity rates. Two cases of in-school transmission were identified, each among staff, representing 2% (2/103) of participants quarantined for in-school exposure. Mitigation strategies included higher than expected student mask compliance, reduced room capacity, and phased reopening.

CONCLUSIONS:

During 24 weeks that included the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in winter 2020-21, we found lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 screening test positivity among staff and students of six schools for children with IDD compared to community rates. In-school transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was low among those quarantined for in-school exposure. However, the impact of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant on the effectiveness of these proven mitigation strategies remains unknown. TRIAL REGISTRATION Prior to enrollment, this study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on September 25, 2020, identifier NCT04565509 , titled Supporting the Health and Well-being of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability During COVID-19 Pandemic.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Variants Limits: Child / Humans Language: English Journal: J Neurodev Disord Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S11689-021-09376-z

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Variants Limits: Child / Humans Language: English Journal: J Neurodev Disord Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S11689-021-09376-z