Staff-Pupil SARS-CoV-2 Infection Pathways in Schools: A Population Level Linked Data Approach

ABSTRACT

BackgroundBetter understanding of the role that children and school staff play in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is essential to guide policy development on controlling infection whilst minimising disruption to childrens education and wellbeing. MethodsOur national e-cohort (n=500,779) study used anonymised linked data for pupils, staff and associated households linked via educational settings. We estimated the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection for staff and pupils over the period August - December 2020, dependent on measures of recent exposure to known cases linked to their educational settings. ResultsThe total number of cases in a school was not associated with a subsequent increase in the risk of testing positive (Staff OR per case 0.92, 95%CI 0.85, 1.00; Pupils OR per case 0.98, 95%CI 0.93, 1.02). Amongst pupils, the number of recent cases within the same year group was significantly associated with subsequent increased risk of testing positive (OR per case 1.12, 95%CI 1.08 - 1.15). These effects were adjusted for a range of demographic covariates, and in particular any known cases within the same household, which had the strongest association with testing positive (Staff OR 39.86, 95%CI 35.01, 45.38, pupil OR 9.39, 95%CI 8.94 - 9.88). ConclusionsIn a national school cohort, the odds of staff testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection were not significantly increased in the 14-day period after case detection in the school. However, pupils were found to be at increased risk, following cases appearing within their own year group, where most of their contacts occur. Strong mitigation measures over the whole of the study period may have reduced wider spread within the school environment. O_TEXTBOXWhat is knownO_LIEvidence of the role schools play in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is limited C_LIO_LIHigher positivity rates are observed in school staff compared to pupils C_LIO_LILack of evidence on transmission pathways transmission into and within schools C_LI What this study addsO_LIFirst UK national level study of transmission between pupils and staff in a school environment during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. C_LIO_LISchools opening September-December 2020 was not associated with an increased subsequent risk of testing positive in staff C_LIO_LIPupils were found to be at increased risk of testing positive, following cases appearing within their own year group C_LI C_TEXTBOX