Pilot Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Secondary Transmission in Kindergarten Through Grade 12 Schools Implementing Mitigation Strategies — St. Louis County and City of Springfield, Missouri, December 2020

Patrick Dawson, Mary Claire Worrell, Sara Malone, Sarah C. Tinker, Stephanie Fritz, Brett Maricque, Sadaf Junaidi, Gemille Purnell, Albert M. Lai, Julie A. Neidich, Justin S. Lee, Rachel C. Orscheln, Rachel Charney, Terri Rebmann, Jon Mooney, Nancy Yoon, Machelle Petit, Spring Schmidt, Jean Grabeel, Lee Ann NeillLisa C. Barrios, Snigdha Vallabhaneni, Randall W. Williams, Clay Goddard, Jason G. Newland, John C. Neatherlin, Johanna S. Salzer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? Many kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools have implemented strategies to limit school-associated SARS-CoV-2 transmission. What is added by this report? In 22 participating K-12 schools implementing multiple COVID-19 mitigation strategies, school-based SARS-CoV-2 secondary transmission was detected in two of 102 tested close contacts of 37 persons with COVID-19. Among 21 tested student contacts participating in a modified quarantine, all SARS-CoV-2 test results were negative. What are the implications for public health practice? Schools implementing strategies including mask mandates, physical distancing, and increased ventilation had much lower SARS-CoV-2 transmission than in the community. K-12 schools should continue implementing these measures and following CDC isolation and quarantine guidance to minimize secondary transmission in schools.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)449-455
Number of pages7
JournalMorbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
Volume70
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

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