SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission in school settings during the second COVID-19 wave: a cross-sectional study, Berlin, Germany, November 2020

Theuring, Stefanie; Thielecke, Marlene; Loon, Welmoed van; Hommes, Franziska; Hülso, Claudia; Haar, Annkathrin von der; Körner, Jennifer; Schmidt, Michael; Böhringer, Falko; Mall, Marcus; Rosen, Alexander; Kalle, Christof von; Kirchberger, Valerie; Kurth, Tobias; Seybold, Joachim; Mockenhaupt, Frank P.

doi:10.2807/1560-7917.es.2021.26.34.2100184

Cited by 40 publications

(59 citation statements)

References 23 publications

(30 reference statements)

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“…In a study from Germany that included 177 primary and 175 secondary school students, 142 staff and 625 household members, prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 2.7% among students, 1.4% among staff, and 2.3% among household members. Contact with confirmed cases outside the school was associated with infection among study participants [16]. Low attack rates within schools were also reported from a large study from North Carolina, USA, which included over 100,000 staff and students from 13 school districts [9].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 58%

SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody positivity among school staff at the beginning and end of the first school term

et al. 2021

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Background There is controversy regarding the role of in-person attendance in schools and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Several studies have demonstrated no increase in transmission, while some have reported large outbreaks with in-person attendance. We determined the incidence and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among school staff after one school term. Methods Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and blood for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing were obtained from staff at a large international school in Qatar at the beginning of the 2020–2021 school year and repeated at the end of the first term. Results A total of 376 staff provided samples for testing. At the beginning of the 2020–2021 school year, the PCR positivity for SARS-CoV-2 was 13%, while seropositivity was 30.1%. A majority of those who tested positive either by PCR or serologically, were non-teaching staff. At the end of the first school term four months later, only 3.5% of the initially antibody-negative staff had seroconverted. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, male gender (OR 11.48, 95%CI 4.77–27.64), non-teaching job category (OR 3.09, 95%CI 1.10–8.64), contact with a confirmed case (OR 20.81, 95%CI 2.90–149.18), and presence of symptoms in the preceding 2 weeks [1–2 symptoms OR 4.82, 95%CI 1.79–12.94); ≥3 symptoms OR 42.30, 95%CI 3.76–476.43) independently predicted SARS-CoV-2 infection in school staff before school starting. Conclusion Male gender, non-teaching job, presence of symptoms, and exposure to a confirmed case were associated with higher risk of infection. These data can help policymakers in determining the optimal strategy for school reopening.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 58%

SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody positivity among school staff at the beginning and end of the first school term

et al. 2021

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“…No secondary cases occurred among individuals in classes. 3 After SARS-CoV-2 infections declined in early 2021, they increased again in mid-February and peaked by mid-April (Figure ). In parallel, the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant gained predominance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1 The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in school communities tends to be isolated and to produce few secondary cases. 2,3 Between June 2020 and March 2021, we examined 24 school classes (12 primary and 12 secondary) across Berlin, Germany, on 4 occasions. In November 2020, there were 9 (2.7%), 2 (1.4%), and 14…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among Students, Teachers, and Household Members During Lockdown and Split Classes in Berlin, Germany

et al. 2021

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“…Additionally, a recent infection survey using molecular tests via polymerase chain reaction [ 14 , 15 ] showed that around 0.5–1% of children have a positive result. Also, earlier studies, including data from five countries [ 16 – 20 ], where all individuals were tested regardless of symptoms, found that transmission rates were considered low, mainly among elementary school children [ 16 – 20 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

School reopening and risks accelerating the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2021

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Background One of the most recent concerns of this pandemic regards the role of schools reopening in disease transmission, as well as the impact of keeping schools closed. While school reopening seems critical for the education and mental health of children, adolescents, and adults, so far the literature has not systematically reached a consensus whether to recommend the return to schools in a way that would be safe for students and staff. Objective To synthesize and critically evaluate the scientific evidence on the potential risk of accelerating the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with school reopening. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was elaborated following the PRISMA-P. We will include all observational study designs, which report on the potential risk of accelerating the COVID-2019 pandemic with school reopening. Electronic databases included were MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and CNKI. Additional sources will be also retrieved, including Clinical trials.gov-NIH, The British Library, Pro Quest Dissertations Database, Public Health Gray Literature Sources and Health Evidence, Google Scholar, and pre-prints [medRXiv]. No restriction to language or date will be used as search strategy. In an independently manner, two investigators will select studies, perform data extraction, as well as perform a critical appraisal of the risk of bias and overall quality of the selected observational studies, based on their designs. The heterogeneity among the studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic test. According to the results of this test, we will verify whether a meta-analysis is feasible. If feasibility is confirmed, a random-effect model analysis will be carried out. For data analysis, the calculation of the pooled effect estimates will consider a 95% CI and alpha will be set in 0.05 using the R statistical software, v.4.0.4. In addition, we will rate the certainty of evidence based on Cochrane methods and in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Expected results This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide better insights into safety in the return to school in the context of the COVID-2019 pandemic, at a time when vaccination advances unevenly in several countries around the world. Hence, consistent data and robust evidence will be provided to help decision-makers and stakeholders in the current pandemic scenario. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021265283; https://clinicaltrials.gov.

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SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission in school settings during the second COVID-19 wave: a cross-sectional study, Berlin, Germany, November 2020

Cited by 40 publications

References 23 publications

SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody positivity among school staff at the beginning and end of the first school term

SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody positivity among school staff at the beginning and end of the first school term

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among Students, Teachers, and Household Members During Lockdown and Split Classes in Berlin, Germany

School reopening and risks accelerating the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

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