The role of school reopening in the spread of COVID-19

Beesley, Richard

Many countries chose to close schools as part of their response to the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Whilst nations are gradually reopening schools, and many politicians advise that schools remain safe and the risks of increases in the spread of COVID-19 are low, little evidence has been presented to confirm those statements. A review of the numbers of new confirmed COVID-19 cases by country suggests that the reopening of schools is likely to be a driver in the increase of the number of new cases. This is likely exacerbated by accompanying changes and easing of restrictions. However, with the exception of China, notable for its robust test, track, trace, and isolate processes, no other countries that had significant numbers of COVID-19 cases have successfully reopened schools without an increase in cases as a consequence. Whilst reopening of schools following an initial peak and decrease in COVID-19 infections is desirable for a range of reasons, doing so without adequate controls and protections may lead to an exacerbation of spread within the school environment, which could then lead to increased community spread of disease.