School reopening should be guided by solid evidence and mitigation measures against Covid-19

Battiston, R.; Carinci, F.; Ferretti, A.; Iuppa, R.; Lattanzi, G.; Menasce, D.; Merler, S.; Mezzetto, M.; Potestio, R.; Salina, G.; Spinella, C.; Tonini, S.; Tubiana, L.; Velegrakis, Y.; Department, R. De Vogli Physics; Trento, University of; Italy,; Trento, INFN-TIFPA; Sciences, Department of Statistical; Bologna, University of; Department, Physics; Turin, University of; INFN,; Turin, Section of; Bicocca, Section of Milano; COVIDSTAT,; Kessler, Fondazione Bruno; Trento,; Padova, Sezione di; INFN-COVIDSTAT,; Vergata, Section of Roma Tor; IMM, CNR; Catania,; Group, Data Intensive Systems; University, Utrecht; Psychology, Department of Social; Development,; Padova, University of

The debate on the role of school closures as a mitigation strategy against the spread of Covid-19 is gaining relevance due to emerging variants in Europe. According to WHO, decisions on schools"should be guided by a risk-based approach". However, risk evaluation requires sound methods, transparent data and careful consideration of the context at the local level. We review a recent study by Gandini et al., on the role of school opening as a driver of the second COVID-19 wave in Italy, which concluded that there was no connection between school openings/closures and SARS-CoV-2 incidence. infections. This analysis has been widely commented in Italian media as conclusive proof that"schools are safe". However the study presents severe oversights and careless interpretation of data.