School closures during COVID-19: an overview of systematic reviews

BMJ evidence-based medicine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 28(3), P. 164 - 174

Published: March 31, 2023

To assess the benefits and drawbacks of school closures in-school mitigations during COVID-19 pandemic.Overview systematic reviews (SRs).We searched six databases additional resources on 29 July 2022: MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, COVID-END inventory evidence synthesis, Epistemonikos.We selected SRs written in English that answered at least one four specific questions concerning efficacy closures. Their primary studies were conducted secondary schools, including pupils aged 5-18. Interventions included or (such as mask usage) introduced schools.We used AMSTAR 2 to confidence SRs, GRADE was certainty evidence. We performed a narrative synthesis results, prioritising higher-quality those which assessments with more unique studies. also assessed overlap between SRs.Our framework for summarising outcome data guided by following questions: (1) What is impact transmission, morbidity mortality community? (2) mental health (eg, anxiety), physical obesity, domestic violence, sleep) learning/achievement pupils? (3) schools (4) health, pupils?We identified 578 reports, 26 included. One SR high confidence, 0 moderate, 10 low 15 critically confidence. 132 effects transmission/morbidity/mortality, 123 learning, 164 22 16 sleep, 7 violence 69 transmission/morbidity/mortality.Both associated reduced community. School increased anxiety obesity pupils. found no potential The according mostly very low.School had both positive negative impacts. large number However, low, low. assessing children, could be addressed moving forward. This overview provides inform policy makers future waves COVID-19.

Language: Английский

---

European Cohorts of patients and schools to Advance Response to Epidemics (EuCARE): a cluster randomised interventional and observational study protocol to investigate the relationship between schools and SARS-CoV-2 infection

BMC Infectious Diseases, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 23(1)

Published: Jan. 3, 2023

Abstract Background Contradictory results were reported on the role of school closure/reopening overall SARS-CoV-2 transmission rate, as well which kind and level mitigation measures implemented in schools may be effective limiting its diffusion. Some recent studies reassuring, showing that opening did not increase community spread, although teachers families are worried about high class density. On other hand, distance learning was associated with a negative impact learning, sociability psychological health, especially vulnerable children. As it becomes clear pandemic will last for long time, there is need solutions to support safe based scientific evidence harms benefits. The Lolli-Methode (LM) strategy epidemiological surveillance early intervention aiming at outbreaks’ reduction schools, relying polymerase chain reaction analysis saliva samples. Methods In this cluster randomised trial protocol, we aim determine whether LM useful reduce clusters attack rates compared standard care (SoC) by public health departments. This multicenter study enrol 440 classes (around 8800 students, personnel) from two countries, or SoC. samples pools collected tested using PCR-based techniques. Test combined questionnaires filled children, parents, schoolteachers, principals, concerning ongoing measures, their perceived socio-economic information. An ancillary observational carried out prevalence frequencies size rates, compare effectiveness different preventive adopted evaluate issues students relation pandemic’s containment measures. Discussion By end study, have defined characterised applicability surveillance, children teachers. Trial registration International Standard Randomised Controlled Number: NCT05396040, 27.05.2022 .

Language: Английский

---

SARS-CoV-2 cross-sectional seroprevalence study among public school staff in Metro Vancouver after the first Omicron wave in British Columbia, Canada

BMJ Open, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(6), P. e071228 - e071228

Published: June 1, 2023

Objective To determine the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among school workers within Greater Vancouver area, British Columbia, Canada, after first Omicron wave. Design Cross-sectional study by online questionnaire, with blood serology testing. Setting Three main districts (Vancouver, Richmond and Delta) in metropolitan area. Participants Active staff enrolled from January to April 2022, testing between 27 8 2022. Seroprevalence estimates were compared data obtained Canadian donors weighted over same sampling period, age, sex postal code distribution. Primary secondary outcomes nucleocapsid antibody results adjusted for test sensitivity specificity, regional variation across using Bayesian models. Results Of 1850 enrolled, 65.8% (1214/1845) reported close contact a COVID-19 case outside household. those contacts, 51.5% (625/1214) student 54.9% (666/1214) coworker. Cumulative incidence of positive self-reported nucleic acid or rapid antigen since beginning pandemic was 15.8% (291/1845). In representative sample 1620 who completed (87.6%), 26.5% (95% CrI 23.9% 29.3%), 32.4% 30.6% 34.5%) 7164 donors. Conclusion Despite frequent exposures reported, this setting remained no greater than community reference group. are consistent premise that many infections acquired setting, even Omicron.

Language: Английский

---

Sniffer dogs performance is stable over time in detecting COVID-19 positive samples and agrees with the rapid antigen test in the field

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: March 5, 2023

Abstract Rapid antigen diagnostic (RAD) tests have been developed for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, they require nasopharyngeal or nasal swab, which is invasive, uncomfortable, and aerosolising. The use saliva test was also proposed but has not yet validated. Trained dogs may efficiently smell presence in biological samples infected people, further validation needed both laboratory field. present study aimed to (1) assess validate stability over a specific time period COVID-19 detection humans’ armpit sweat by trained thanks double-blind test–retest design, (2) this ability when sniffing people directly. Dogs were discriminate against other infections. For all (n. 3), on 360 yielded 93% sensitivity 99% specificity, an 88% agreement with Rt-PCR, moderate strong correlation. When directly 97), dogs’ 5) overall (89%) specificity (95%) significantly above chance level. An almost perfect RAD results found (kappa 0.83, SE 0.05, p = 0.001). Therefore, sniffer met appropriate criteria (e.g., repeatability) WHO's target product profiles diagnostics produced very promising field settings, respectively. These findings support idea that biodetection could help reduce spread virus high-risk environments, including airports, schools, public transport.

Language: Английский

---

Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 Schools, British Columbia, Canada April to June 2021

Microbiology Spectrum, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 10(4)

Published: July 6, 2022

We prospectively studied SARS-CoV-2 transmission at schools in an era of variants concern, offering all close contacts serial viral asymptomatic testing up to 14 days. From the 69 primary cases detected schools, 392 were identified and offered testing. A total 229 (58%) school contacts, these, 3 tested positive (1.3%), 2 which through This is contrast 117 household where 43 (37%) went on become secondary cases. Routine should be examined context local rates, preventive measures, programmatic costs, health impacts transmission. IMPORTANCE There concern that may a setting infections might result significant "silent" SARS-CoV-2, particularly after emergence more transmissible concern. After implementation strategy COVID-19 as part contact tracing setting, majority still found have occurred home or social contacts. However, for 6.2% The potential added yield this approach needs considered within overall including consideration epidemiology, ongoing goals case management, additional logistical challenges families, possible

Language: Английский

---

The Role of COVID-19 in Antibiotic Resistance in Pediatric Population

Педиатрическая фармакология, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 19(6), P. 503 - 513

Published: Jan. 12, 2023

There is data on the irrational use of antimicrobial drugs in pediatric population during COVID-19 pandemic. This could lead to potential development antibiotic resistance and increased morbidity mortality among this vulnerable group. The aim review study role administration development, as well determine a set measures for its prevention. Recent studies results have shown that pandemic had both direct indirect impact population. outbreak has revealed weaknesses health systems around world. Antibiotics patients with coronavirus infection period exceeded number cases bacterial co-infection or other diseases. Thus, it indicates treatment. were inappropriate antibiotics crisis caused by even regions long-term rational treatment programs. One most viable methods combat improve approaches care increase preparedness infectious outbreaks. Increasing clinical competence medical workers, accessibility facilities, permanent supply high-quality cheap antibiotics, vaccines, reducing testing time, adequate antibacterial agents are can prevent diseases drug resistance. All stakeholders (health authorities, regulating politicians, scientific community, pharmaceutical companies) collaborate achieve implement all mentioned above protection measures.

Language: Английский

---

Testing the Efficacy of the ‘Corsi-Rosenthal’ Box Fan Filter in an Active Classroom Environment

Published: Nov. 3, 2022

Poor ventilation in classrooms can increase the risk of infectious disease transmission, such as COVID-19, because it allows respiratory aerosol particles that may contain viruses to accumulate. Air purifiers effectively reduce transmission rates community spaces, including classrooms, they air change rate room and particle concentrations. In this study, we investigate effectiveness Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes (C-R Box) reducing concentrations active, occupied classroom settings. A C-R Box is a do-it-yourself, cost-effective alternative commercial built from box fan, four readily available filters, cardboard, duct tape. We collected measurements coarse (particles with diameters > 2.5μm) fine 0.5μm - 2.5 μm) number PM2.5 diameter < mass Specifically, compared before after turned on. our testing, reduced by 56-91% over 70% turn on Boxes. also simulated velocity profiles running showing mixing throughout ensuring all encounter filter.

Language: Английский

---

Sports activity limitation during the COVID-19 pandemic in young Italian athletes: impact on mental health in children, adolescents, and young adults

Frontiers in Public Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Aug. 10, 2023

Introduction The closure of sports centres was implemented as a preventive measure to mitigate the transmission SARS-CoV-2. Given observed global decline in physical activity and concurrent rise sedentary behaviour, even among younger age groups, retrospective cross-sectional study undertaken evaluate effects this on mental health children, adolescents, young adults during initial phases COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A total 1,717 non-professional athletes (age range: 6–25; 53.9% males, 44.6% females) completed an online questionnaire including widely used validated measures for assessment (SDQ PGWB-S) questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics (such gender), activity, screen time. association between characteristics, time evaluated by using univariate multivariable logistic regression models. Results In children incidence psychological difficulties associated with not being physically active (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.07; p 0.015). Engaging period closures, particularly if more than twice week, significantly less children/adolescents 0.54; 0.35, 0.82; 0.004) symptoms (i.e., well-being lower median) youth/young 0.25; 0.14, 0.45; &lt; 0.001). More were also found males adolescents 1.37; 1.06, 1.79; 0.018). However, adult showed females 0.35; 0.22, 0.55; Additionally, greater amount higher whole sample. Conclusions Our results confirm positive impact pandemic groups. They provide valuable insights into risk-benefit relationship interrupting activities infectious diseases.

Language: Английский

---

SARS-CoV-2 trends in Italy, Germany and Portugal and school opening during the period of Omicron variant dominance: A quasi experimental study in the EuCARE project

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 138, P. 63 - 72

Published: Nov. 12, 2023

We investigated the impact of school reopening on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Italy, Germany, and Portugal autumn 2022 when Omicron variant was prevalent.A prospective international study conducted using case reproduction number (Rc) calculated with time parametrization Omicron. For Germany staggered difference-in-differences analysis employed to explore causal relationship between Rc changes, accounting for varying dates. In Portugal, interrupted series used due simultaneous reopenings. Multivariable models were adopted adjust confounders.In Italy post-reopening estimates significantly lower compared those from regions/states that had not yet reopened at same points, both student population (overall average treatment effect treated subpopulation [O-ATT]: -0.80 [95% CI: -0.94;-0.66] Italy; O-ATT-0.30 -0.36;-0.23] Germany) adult (O-ATT: -0.04 -0.07;-0.01] O-ATT: -0.07 -0.11;-0.03] Germany). there a significant decreasing trend following reopenings pre-reopening period (sustained effect: -0.03 -0.04; -0.03] students; -0.02 -0.03; -0.02] adults).We found no evidence transmission.

Language: Английский

---

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among public school staff in Metro Vancouver after the first Omicron wave in British Columbia, Canada

medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 6, 2022

Abstract Objective To determine the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among school workers in setting of full in-person schooling and highly transmissible Omicron variants concern. Design Cross-sectional study staff, comparing to period-, age-, sex- postal code-weighted data from Canadian blood donors same community. Setting Three large districts greater Vancouver metropolitan area, British Columbia, Canada, with serology sampling done between January 26, 2022 April 8, 2022. Participants School staff actively working Vancouver, Richmond Delta Districts. Main outcome measure based on nucleocapsid (N)-protein testing, adjusted for sensitivity specificity assay. Results A majority (65.8%) 1845 enrolled reported close contact a COVID-19 case outside household. Of those, about half at either student (51.5%) or co-worker (54.9%). In representative sample 1620 (87.8%) was 26.5% [95%CrI: 23.9 – 29.3%]. This compared an age, sex residency area-weighted 32.4% 30.6 34.5%] 7164 donors. Conclusion Despite frequent exposures, prevalence infections three main area no than reference group donors, even after emergence more variant. What is already known this subject? Earlier studies indicate that infection rates are not increased previous stages pandemic community, yet controversy remains whether will remain true adds? identified detectable increase metro public first wave community area.

Language: Английский

---