Coronavirus transmission in schools appears to be low, according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that concludes that schools can be open for in-person learning.
However, a second CDC study raised concerns about school sports as possible spreader events.
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The first study examined 17 schools in rural Wisconsin and found that the incidence of COVID-19 among students and staff was lower than the overall rate in the county. Of 191 cases of the virus among students and staff, only 3.7% were linked to in-school spread. It also found that mask-wearing was high among students, exceeding 92%.
According to the study, “These findings suggest that, with proper mitigation strategies, K–12 schools might be capable of opening for in-person learning with minimal in-school transmission of SARS-CoV-2.” It comports with other research showing that schools are not likely to be spreaders of COVID-19.
Teachers unions are fighting returning to the classroom until teachers receive vaccinations. Last week, the West Virginia American Federation of Teachers planned to take legal action against Gov. Jim Justice’s plan to reopen elementary and middle schools for in-person instruction. Over the weekend, the members of Chicago Teachers Unions voted 71% in favor of continuing online learning.
The second CDC study warned that school sports could be a high-risk activity. The CDC examined two high school wrestling tournaments that occurred in Florida in early December. Of the 130 wrestlers, coaches, and referees that attended, 38 subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. It also looked at 446 other people who came into close contact with the 38 COVID-19 patients. Of those, 95 were tested for COVID-19, and 41 tested positive.
“High-contact school athletic activities for which mask wearing and physical distancing are not possible should be postponed during periods with substantial or high levels of SARS-CoV-2 community transmission,” the study warned.
