Prospective Pilot Study Evaluating SARS-CoV-2 Transmission-Limiting Measures in an On-Site School.
Acad Pediatr
; 22(4): 671-679, 2022.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1633586
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of our study is to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of a comprehensive set of preventive measures in limiting secondary transmission of COVID-19 in schools.METHODS:
A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in an independent K-8 school in San Mateo County, California. The research was conducted between September 14, 2020 through March 22, 2021 and consisted of 1) demographic and epidemiological questionnaires; 2) daily symptom reporting; 3) weekly RT-PCR testing; and 4) periodic on-site qualitative observations.RESULTS:
One hundred eighty (79%) students and 63 (74%) on-site staff/contractors were enrolled. Participants reported symptoms in 144 (<1%) daily surveys of the 19,409 collected. Among those who reported symptoms and exposures, none tested positive during the 22-week study period. Of all participants, a total of 6 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at least once by RT-PCR; all were asymptomatic at time of testing. No in-school transmission occurred. Mask adherence was high among all grades, and incidents of improper mask use mostly occurred during noninstruction time. Physical distancing was well-enforced during class time and snack breaks, although adherence during noninstruction time waned as the school year progressed.CONCLUSIONS:
Our comprehensive, prospective study following COVID-19 transmission over 22 weeks in a K-8 school demonstrates that 1) surveillance testing is important for detecting asymptomatic infections in schools; 2) monitoring symptoms may not be necessary and/or sufficient for COVID-19; and 3) younger children can adhere to key mitigation measures (eg, masking) which have the potential to limit transmission.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Child
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Acad Pediatr
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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