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Prevalence of infection in secondary school children is 1 in 50- the highest in any age group in England. Increases in prevalence among secondary school children, with possible early increases in primary school children as well.
Thread. https://twitter.com/ONS/status/1337367403706130432
Thread. https://twitter.com/ONS/status/1337367403706130432
The govt has finally acknowledged that schools are contributing to transmission, and that action needs to be taken. So, what are they doing?
They've said they'll institute mass testing in schools in specific regions.
Wales has said secondary schools will be shut down from Mon.
They've said they'll institute mass testing in schools in specific regions.
Wales has said secondary schools will be shut down from Mon.
To me, these strategies highlight the really blinkered thinking of government. Why, when we have acknowledged that schools are hubs of transmission, are we instituting testing to identify infections, but not taking adequate measures to mitigate infection? Seems poorly thought out
Wales is shutting secondary schools downs - with remote learning for students. Yet again, the strategy suggests that the govt understand the role of children in community transmission. Despite this, nothing was done to mitigate transmission in schools while they were open.
Why? After all, we've been told repeatedly that the govt is prioritising student education, and wellbeing. However, the govt strategy has directly led to some of the highest absenteeism in schools over the past month, and the highest rates of infection among school children.
And disruption due to school shut downs that could potentially have been prevented, had early mitigatory measures been taken, in line with WHO guidance. It's these sort of inconsistent, short-sighted policies that have really scuppered any sort of effective COVID-19 response
Now that the govt has acknowledged that schools are important sources of transmission, they must act urgently and invest in ventilation, additional staff, smaller bubbles, face coverings for students, as well as blended learning, where needed. Anything less is irresponsible.
I want to add that I don't have an issue with testing in schools per se- I think this will be useful, but it makes no sense to just use just a single approach. Multipronged approaches are most effective in reducing transmission, and it's important we use every tool in the toolbox
