Estimated Transmission Outcomes and Costs of SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Testing, Screening, and Surveillance Strategies Among a Simulated Population of Primary School Students
2022
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's significant educational disruptions, the U.S. government allocated $10 billion in March 2021 for testing in schools. The study aimed to analyze the costs and benefits of different COVID-19 testing strategies, particularly focusing on full-time, in-person elementary and middle school education. Utilizing an updated agent-based network model, the study simulated transmission scenarios in schools, considering various testing strategies ranging from diagnostic testing (test-to-stay) to reduce symptom-based isolations, routine screening of asymptomatic individuals, and surveillance through random sample testing.
The results indicated that compared to traditional quarantine approaches, the test-to-stay strategy resulted in similar projected transmission rates, causing minimal disruption in student attendance. Moreover, weekly universal screening could cut in-school transmission by roughly 50% at a fraction of the societal cost associated with hybrid or remote learning methods. The effectiveness of weekly screening is particularly pronounced in schools with lesser vaccination coverage, fewer mitigation measures, and higher community transmission rates. Surveillance testing emerged as a reduced cost option for timely detection of potential outbreaks, especially in fluctuating local transmission scenarios, enabling schools to decide on appropriate mitigation strategies.
Source:
Bilinski A, Ciaranello, Fitzpatrick MC et al. Estimated Transmission Outcomes and Costs of SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Testing, Screening, and Surveillance Strategies Among a Simulated Population of Primary School Students. JAMA Pediatrics 2022; 176 (7): 679-689. http://jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?doi=10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.1326