Considerations for the Safe Operation of Schools During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, providing safe in-person schooling has been a dynamic process balancing evolving community disease burden, scientific information, and local regulatory requirements with the mandate for education. Considerations include the health risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its post-acute sequelae, the impact of remote learning or periods of quarantine on education and well-being of children, and the contribution of schools to viral circulation in the community. The risk for infections that may occur within schools is related to the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections within the local community. Thus, persistent suppression of viral circulation in the community through effective public health measures including vaccination is critical to in-person schooling. Evidence suggests that the likelihood of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within schools can be minimized if mitigation strategies are rationally combined. This article reviews evidence-based approaches and practices for the continual operation of in-person schooling.

Escalating spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection after school reopening among students in hotspot districts of Oromia Region in Ethiopia: Longitudinal study

“…This is probably why seroprevalence was high (25.7%) among children even before school commencement. School reopening when sustained disease spread inevitably fuels its propagation [24,25]. For instance, the RT-PCR test positive rate in Ethiopia, which was 8.5% on average for December 2020 and January 2021, increased to 12.5% in February 2021, 21.1% in March, and 22.5% for April 2021 (Figs 3 and 4).…”

Measuring Indoor Air Quality Does Not Prevent COVID-19

“…Provision of ventilation with adequate outside air supply in school buildings is extremely important in reducing the risk of transmitting and contracting COVID-19. [18][19][20] The U.S. Department of Education called for maximizing outside air in schools to address COVID-19. 21 In addition to reducing disease transmission, a growing body of literature describes better academic performance with improved ventilation, filtration, and temperature control.…”

Vitamin D status can affect COVID-19 outcomes also in pediatric population

“…Pandemic-related restrictions have caused a significant decrease in vitamin D levels in children, in particular school-aged children and adolescents [36] . Despite, in the pediatric population, most cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection are asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic [37] , [38] , [39] , even five months after discharge and beyond, children who have long-COVID might experience debilitating symptoms [40] , [41] , [42] . Many studies show that allergy and asthma, if under control, did not represent risk factors for the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] .…”