In-school transmission

When appropriate COVID-19 mitigation strategies are in place, K–12 schools may be able to offer in-person learning with limited risk for in-school transmission, according to findings in MMWR. Researchers examined COVID-19 transmission in 17 rural Wisconsin schools between the end of August and end of November. Students received cloth masks through a grant, students and staff were instructed to wear masks, and staff were advised to maintain 6 feet of distance from others. Among some 5530 students and staff included, 191 developed COVID-19; 4% of these cases (all students) were linked to in-school transmission. COVID-19 case rates were lower among students and staff than in the county as a whole (3450 vs. 5470 per 100,000). Of note, student mask adherence was high — above 92%.

MMWR article on in-school transmission