Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Schools Using Built Environment Testing in Ottawa, Canada: A Multi-Facility Prospective Surveillance Study

Abstract

Classroom and staffroom floor swabs across six elementary schools in Ottawa, Canada were tested for SARS-CoV-2. Schools in neighbourhoods with historically elevated COVID-19 burden had lower environmental swab positivity. Environmental test positivity did not correlate with student grade groups, school-level absenteeism, pediatric COVID-19-related hospitalizations, or community SARS-CoV-2 wastewater levels.SummaryEnvironmental SARS-CoV-2 sampling was performed in six schools in Ottawa, Canada. The percentage of floor swabs detecting SARS-CoV2 was not correlated with absenteeism, pediatric hospitalizations, or wastewater data. Schools in neighbourhoods with previously elevated COVID-19 rates had lower test positivity.