Schools with a lower risk of COVID-19 than community infections: research

The BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) reports that most students lose their learning when the school is closed during the blockade, and infections at school are less dangerous than the community as a whole.

Announced in late September, the organization concluded that “schools are not at higher risk of COVID-19 infection than community settings.”

This study reviewed evidence from journals, data, and other sources available by August 18.

The analysis suggests that infections among children are lower than adults, and that children in school and day care environments are consistently less likely to be infected than adults. , Other students and staff. “

We also found that younger children are less likely to get the disease.

In Canada, as of August 5, one out of 9,302 cases under the age of 19 had died. In British Columbia, 6.2% of residents diagnosed by laboratory tests are under the age of 19, and that age group accounts for 20%. population.

Studies show that data on the association between school reopening and COVID-19 infection remain “limited,” but school infections depend on infection rates in larger communities.

“All outbreaks in day care, schools and summer camps were reported when the prevalence of the community was high and / or when public health measures were not taken. Cases of increased infection in schools are common. In particular, it involved a group of older students when there was a lot of community infection, “the report said.

Studies have shown that in a school environment, the risk of infection is highest between staff, not from student to staff.

This information is provided as health authorities continue to report school exposure events on their website. As of October 5, no school exposure was reported in School District 46 (SD46).

Unintended consequences

Health officials and school districts have reported unintended consequences of closing schools as a reason for reopening, and BCCDC’s analysis confirms this, citing many of the negative effects associated with the blockade.

First, according to a BC survey conducted in the summer, 76% of respondents said their children experienced “learning disabilities” during the school closure in March last year. In the Vancouver Coastal Health Area, that number has increased to 78%.

The same survey found that 60% of respondents reported increased stress.

We also found that mothers were disproportionately affected by unemployment, reduced time, and increased time spent on long-term care. Indigenous households, single mothers, and recent migrants are most likely to experience stress, and parents with children in need of special needs did not provide much rest care.

However, BCCDC also acknowledged other studies showing that children are experiencing stress for school, with a marked increase in “emergency mental health visits” in the new semester, and during the school year than in the summer. There are many visits.

Federal data show that domestic violence has increased by up to 30% in some parts of Canada, and the study found that “whether domestic violence and child abuse are intensifying in BC. Careful evaluation is required to determine. ” In April and May, there were 23% fewer child protection reports issued to the Ministry of Child and Family Development. This is probably because the teacher wasn’t watching the child at school.

BC-specific data did not show the impact of school closures on food security, but the study anecdotally points to a significant increase in families relying on food provided through school programs. It has been.

The survey also states that the survey is parent-dependent and requires more direct input from the child.

Kate Kerr, director of education and inclusive education at SD46, told Coast Reporter that the findings emphasize the importance of “face-to-face support for children, especially those of diverse abilities.” She said the district was “active and diligent” about supporting “diversified learners.”

“Ideally, we want all students, especially those with diverse needs, to be able to return to school to provide safe space and professional services in an optimal environment. For some reason, I also understand that some students need to stay home, “she said. “We continue to remain creative regardless of the options our families choose to provide equitable access to education, resources, tools and support.”

The entire report can be read here: http://tinyurl.com/y5rkuqxs