Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 19, 2021

Reopening Schools and the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Israel: A Nationwide Study

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Nationwide weekly incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Israel gradually increased after school reopening in May 2020, and positivity rates 21-27 days following school reopening increased at least 3-fold among adults ≥20 years, but did not increase for children <20 years old. No increase was observed in COVID-19 associated hospitalizations and deaths following school reopening. However, following the easing of social gathering restrictions from May to June 2020 (which coincided with the end of the academic school year), a significant increase in hospitalizations and mortality was observed. The authors suggest that easing social gathering restrictions, rather than school reopening, was the major contributor to transmission.

Somekh et al. (Jan 18, 2021). Reopening Schools and the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Israel: A Nationwide Study. Clinical Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciab035