In early December, 62% of U.S. K-12 school districts opened up for full or partial personal learning. Nevertheless, there were ‘limited reports of school outbreaks’, CDC researchers write. The prevalence of Covid-19 among the general population was similar in provinces with personal pupils – 401.2 cases per 100,000 people – and those who were only online – 418.2 per 100,000 people.
There was no sign that increase in other age groups increased among school-going children and adolescents; however, there were increases among other age groups after cases increased between people aged 18 to 24 years.
To prevent the transmission of coronavirus in schools, the transmission must be controlled in the community, the report said. Communities and schools need to apply mitigation strategies, such as wearing masks, and people need to stick to them. According to CDC recommendations, K-12 schools should be the last to close after all other mitigation measures have been tried, and the first to reopen once they are safe, the report said.
“When community transfer is high, cases should be expected in schools, and as with any group setting, schools may contribute to the transfer of COVID-19, especially if mitigation measures, such as universal and proper masking, are not implemented or followed,” the reportedly said.
There are limitations to the report, including that Covid-19 cases are likely to be underestimated among young people, and case trends among teachers and school staff are not available.
Elected President Joe Biden has promised that his administration will reopen most schools within 100 days of taking office.