Was the risk of death among the population of teachers and other school workers in England and Wales due to COVID-19 and all causes higher than other occupations during the pandemic in 2020? An ecological study using routinely collected data on deaths from the Office for National Statistics

Abstract

ObjectivesTo estimate occupation risk from COVID-19 among teachers and others working in schools using publicly available data on mortality in England and Wales.DesignAnalysis of national death registration data from the Office for National Statistics.SettingEngland and Wales, 8 March–28 December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsThe total working age population in England and Wales plus those still working aged over 65 years.Primary and secondary outcomesDeath with COVID-19 as a primary outcome and death from all causes as a secondary outcome.ResultsAcross occupational groups, there was a strong correlation between COVID-19 mortality and both non-COVID-19 and all-cause mortality. The absolute mortality rates for deaths with COVID-19 were low among those working in schools (from 10 per 100 000 in female primary school teachers to 39 per 100 000 male secondary school teachers) relative to many other occupations (range: 9–50 per 100 000 in women; 10–143 per 100 000 in men). There was weak evidence that secondary school teachers had slightly higher risks of dying with COVID-19 compared with the average for all working-aged people, but stronger evidence of a higher risk compared with the average for all professionals; primary school teachers had a lower risk. All-cause mortality was also higher among all teachers compared with all professionals. Teaching and lunchtime assistants were not at higher risk of death from COVID-19 compared with all working-aged people.ConclusionThere was weak evidence that COVID-19 mortality risk for secondary school teachers was above expectation, but in general school staff had COVID-19 mortality risks which were proportionate to their non-COVID-19 mortality risk.

Occupational differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection: analysis of the UK ONS COVID-19 infection survey

“…Other non-healthcare occupations considered to have high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 include police and protective services, education workers, social care workers, office workers, transport workers and construction workers 17. The evidence for whether this perceived exposure translates to increased infection and/or mortality is varied 8 10 15 16 18–21. This can be partially explained by different approaches to ascertaining outcome, often using testing regimens linked to self-referral or occupation.…”

In-person schooling is essential even during periods of high transmission of COVID-19

“… 38 A study in England and Wales between March and December 2020 found the absolute mortality rates for deaths with COVID-19 were low among those working in schools (from 10 per 100 000 in female primary school teachers to 39 per 100 000 male secondary school teachers) relative to many other occupations (range 9–50 per 100 000 in women; 10–143 per 100 000 in men), although there was weak evidence that secondary school teachers had slightly higher risks. 39 These data highlight low risk of exposure to families and school staff from in-person school, even prior to the availability of vaccines.…”

Occupational differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Analysis of the UK ONS Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey

“…Other non-healthcare occupations considered to have high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 include police and protective services, education workers, social care workers, office workers and construction workers (17). The evidence for whether this expected exposure translates to increased infection and/or mortality is varied (7,10,16,(18)(19)(20).…”