Novel Coronavirus 2019 Transmission Risk in Educational Settings

Chee Fu Yung; Kai-Qian Kam; Karen Donceras Nadua; Chia Yin Chong; Natalie Woon Hui Tan; Jiahui Li; Khai Pin Lee; Yoke Hwee Chan; Koh Cheng Thoon; Kee Chong Ng

doi:10.1093/cid/ciaa794

Novel Coronavirus 2019 Transmission Risk in Educational Settings

Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Mar 15;72(6):1055-1058. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa794.

Authors

Chee Fu Yung^{1

2

3}, Kai-Qian Kam^{1

2}, Karen Donceras Nadua^{1

2}, Chia Yin Chong^{1

2

3}, Natalie Woon Hui Tan^{1

2

3}, Jiahui Li^{1

2}, Khai Pin Lee⁴, Yoke Hwee Chan^{2

5}, Koh Cheng Thoon^{1

2

3}, Kee Chong Ng^{2

5}

Affiliations

¹ Infectious Disease Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
² Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore.
³ Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Imperial College London, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
⁴ Children's Emergency, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
⁵ Division of Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.

Abstract

Transmission risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in schools is unknown. Our investigations, especially in preschools, could not detect SARS-CoV-2 transmission despite screening of symptomatic and asymptomatic children. The data suggest that children are not the primary drivers of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools and could help inform exit strategies for lifting of lockdowns.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; pediatric; school; transmission.

MeSH terms

COVID-19*
Child
Child, Preschool
Communicable Disease Control
Humans
Mass Screening
SARS-CoV-2*
Schools