CDC Study Shows Low COVID Spread in Schools

A newly released study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows COVID-19 spread in schools appears to be low, suggesting in-person learning might be safe if proper procedures are in place.

The study, released Tuesday, was made among 17 rural Wisconsin schools, grades K-12, from Aug. 31-Nov. 29.

During the survey period, teachers reported more than 92% of students wore masks, groups of students were limited to 11-20, staff kept a distance of at least 6 feet when possible, and staff and students quarantined after exposure.

During the 13 weeks, only 7 school-attributed COVID cases of the 4,876 students – and none of the 654 staff – were attributed to COVID.

Some teachers unions have been fighting a return to in-person learning until teachers can be vaccinated, The Washington Examiner noted.

But a second CDC study warns against sports events, saying they could pose a high risk.

The study looked at two high school wrestling events in Florida in December, noting among the 130 wrestlers, coaches, and referees present, 38 later tested positive for COVID-19.

And 41 others who came into close contact with those 38 also tested positive.

“High-contact school athletic activities for which mask wearing and physical distancing are not possible should be postponed during periods with substantial or high levels of SARS-CoV-2 community transmission,” the study said.