CDC researchers see little evidence that face-to-face school causes COVID-19 infection

(Reuters) – Studies in the United States and abroad found little evidence that schools were spreading COVID-19 infections, showing a “way forward” toward face-to-face classes, researchers at the Control Centers said on Tuesday. and U.S. Disease Prevention (CDC). .

The risk of capturing COVID-19 in schools and allowing face-to-face learning or online classes has been a topic of debate in many countries, including the United States.

While there was some evidence of school transmission, “the preponderance of available evidence for the fall school semester has been reassuring,” the researchers said in an opinion piece on the Journal of the American Medical Association. JAMA). (bit.ly/3a69ZOn)

“Because many schools have reopened for face-to-face instruction in some parts of the U.S. and internationally, school-related COVID-19 cases have been reported, but there has been little evidence that schools have significantly contributed to increased transmission. community, ”the CDC said.

The authors noted in part a new CDC study in rural Wisconsin schools, where an elevated mask was worn. The incidence of COVID-19 in the 17 primary schools in the secondary schools was 37% lower than in the community at large, with no infections occurring at the school among staff members.

“Given the findings of our data set, with appropriate precautions, such as distancing and the use of face masks, it appears likely that adult school staff members will not hire COVID-19 at the ‘classroom,’ explains study author Amy Falk of Aspirus Hospitals and Clinics, said in an email response.

CDC scientists at JAMA said school closures could affect academic progress, mental health and access to essential services.

They said mitigation measures such as universal mask use, social distancing and ventilation were key to preventing infection.

In the Wisconsin study, only seven of the 191 cases (3.7%) identified among 5,530 students and staff members during the period from August 31 to November 29, 2020 were associated with school transmission, all in students, the researchers reported.

Social distancing was required and it was reported that more than 92% wore a mask. Classes were held in stable cohorts, both lunch and classes took place indoors. However, no systematic screening of COVID-19 was performed in schools or in the community, and only a few teachers traced the student mask, according to the Wisconsin study, published in the weekly report on morbidity and mortality of students. CDC.

The researchers found widespread virus transmission to the surrounding community during the study period, with 7% to 40% of Wood County COVID-19 tests showing positive results.

The incidence of COVID-19 among students and study staff members resulted in 3,453 cases per 100,000 in schools versus 5,466 per 100,000 in the community at large.