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COVID-19 Surveillance Testing in Secondary Schools: Findings and Barriers to Implementation
Amy Falk1,2, Mikaela Decoster2, Zachary Wallace2
1Department of Pediatrics, Aspirus Doctors Clinic, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, amy.falk@aspirus.org.
Summary
Weekly COVID-19 screening in secondary schools yielded low results, proving costly and burdensome. A modified quarantine policy for masked students did not increase transmission, suggesting funds could be reallocated.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- School Health
Background:
- K-12 schools can minimize COVID-19 spread with mitigation measures.
- This study assessed asymptomatic COVID-19 rates and surveillance testing logistics in secondary schools during full-time in-person learning with universal masking.
Observation:
- An 11-week observational study in Wisconsin (Spring 2021) included 2,288 students and staff.
- SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing, teacher surveys on masking/distancing, and policy data were collected.
- Average weekly participation in screening was 15.6%, with >87% student masking compliance.
Findings:
- Average positivity was 3.0% for students and 1.72% for staff.
- Only two suspected secondary transmissions occurred among 163 quarantined individuals.
- A modified quarantine policy for masked exposures did not increase in-school transmission.
Implications:
- Weekly screening in secondary schools is low-yield, costly, and burdensome, especially with high masking compliance.
- Modified quarantine policies appear safe and effective.
- School funding may be better allocated to targeted testing or other expenses, considering rising vaccination rates.
