Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Frontiers in Public Health
Volume
9
PubMed ID
33692984
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
38860
Funders
Western Australian Department of Health Telethon Kids Institute
Abstract
Introduction: Amidst the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the transmission dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is key to providing peace of mind for the community and informing policy-making decisions. While available data suggest that school-aged children are not significant spreaders of SARS-CoV-2, the possibility of transmission in schools remains an ongoing concern, especially among an aging teaching workforce. Even in low-prevalence settings, communities must balance the potential risk of transmission with the need for students' ongoing education. Through the roll out of high-throughput school-based SARS-CoV-2 testing, enhanced follow-up for individuals exposed to COVID-19 and wellbeing surveys, this study investigates the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the current psychosocial wellbeing impacts of the pandemic in school communities. Methods: The DETECT Schools Study is a prospective observational cohort surveillance study in 79 schools across Western Australia (WA), Australia. To investigate the incidence, transmission and impact of SARS-CoV-2 in schools, the study comprises three “modules”: Module 1) Spot-testing in schools to screen for asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2; Module 2) Enhanced surveillance of close contacts following the identification of any COVID-19 case to determine the secondary attack rate of SARS-CoV-2 in a school setting; and Module 3) Survey monitoring of school staff, students and their parents to assess psycho-social wellbeing following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in WA. Clinical Trial Registration: Trial registration number: ACTRN12620000922976
DOI
10.3389/fpubh.2021.636921
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Mullane, M. J., Thomas, H. M., Epstein, M., Mandzufas, J., Mullan, N., Whelan, A., ... Gething, P. (2021). DETECT schools study protocol: A prospective observational cohort surveillance study investigating the impact of COVID-19 in Western Australian schools. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, article 636921. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.636921