Schools under mandatory testing can mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

We use event study models based on staggered summer vacations in Germany to estimate the effect of school reopenings after the summer of 2021 on the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Estimations are based on daily counts of confirmed coronavirus infections across all 401 German counties. A central antipandemic measure in German schools included mandatory rapid testing multiple times per week. Our results are consistent with mandatory testing contributing to the containment of the viral spread. We find a short-term increase in infection rates right after summer breaks, indicating the uncovering of otherwise undetected (asymptomatic) cases through the testing. After a period of about 2 wk after school reopenings, the growth of case numbers is smaller in states that reopened schools compared with the control group of states still in summer break. The results show a similar pattern for older age groups as well, arguably as a result of detected clusters through the school testing. This means that under certain conditions, open schools can play a role in containing the spread of the virus. Our results suggest that closing schools as a means to reduce infections may have unintended consequences by giving up surveillance and should be considered only as a last resort.

The effect of a nighttime curfew on the spread of COVID-19

“…Moreover, several other NPI studies rely on Covid cases in levels as well (e.g. [ 6 , 17 , 21 , 26 ]). However, in Section 3.2, we show that our conclusions do not change when we apply the log transformation to the incidence rate.…”

Analysis of COVID-19 Infection Chains in a School Setting: Data From a School-Based rRT-PCR–Gargle Pool Test System

“…5 We and others argue, that a highly sensitive test system is the prerequisite to avoid outbreaks in schools as the timing for isolation is crucial. [5][6][7] Here, the isolation process was optimized through close collaboration between the test center and the public health office, from the day after the pooling at the beginning of the project to the same afternoon as the pool testing after week 10 of the project. Due to the fast isolation of cases with high CT values and a low viral load, further quarantine of contact persons in the schools could be avoided and still no follow-up infections were observed.…”

The Gendered Effects of COVID-19 on Well-being: A Household Perspective

“…Second, as mothers with school-age children and younger were especially negatively affected, policy-makers could ensure childcare opportunities to relieve parents, even during times of high incidence rates. We are aware that this might conflict with lowering incidence rates, but research shows that under a strict testing regime, open schools can contribute to mitigating pandemic dynamics (Diederichs et al 2022).…”