While saliva tests have started in French schools, a study claims that the virus circulates in a limited way. However, the variants worried. Explanations.
Schools do not play the role of amplifying the spread of Covid-19. This is one of the results of a study co-conducted by Arnaud Fontanet, epidemiologist at the Institut Pasteur and member of the Scientific Council, published in the British Medical Journal.
The authors of this study indicate that while “hotbeds of contamination have been identified (at school) in 2020 across the world, they tend to be limited, in particular because children are 30 to 50% less likely to be infected with the virus than adults “.
According to the study, which looked at one of the most controversial topics since the start of the pandemic, two other reasons explain why these outbreaks are being measured: As students have mild forms of the virus , adults are able to protect themselves effectively. ”In addition, infected children, especially those under 10 years of age, are probably less contagious than adults.
Variants, a new “uncertainty”
Nevertheless, the French epidemiologist and his colleagues warn about the emergence of Covid-19 variants which “raises an uncertainty”. They therefore recommend “reviewing the way in which schools can remain open without becoming centers of transmission of the virus”. They observe that most countries have put in place barrier measures limiting the spread of Covid-19 (physical distance, ventilation, frequent cleaning of surfaces, etc.) which “must be applied outside the classroom, in particular during lunch breaks and transport “.
“The use of saliva tests in schools and the prioritization of teachers should also be considered,” note the experts, while this type of test is now deployed in all schools in the country.
In these conclusions, the study therefore does not recommend the closure of schools. Because health reasons do not require it, but also for reasons of children’s balance. “For many children, schools are a source of food security and safety away from domestic violence,” it wrote.
Visiting a school in Haute-Saône yesterday morning, the Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, hammered that “the fundamental objective” of the government “is that schools in France remain open”. And “to accomplish it well, it is necessary to carry out a maximum of tests”, he insisted.
The virus circulates at school, but no more than elsewhere
Schools do not play the role of amplifying the spread of Covid-19. This is one of the results of a study co-conducted by Arnaud Fontanet, epidemiologist at the Institut Pasteur and member of the Scientific Council, published in the British Medical Journal. The authors of this study indicate that while “hotbeds of contamination have been identified (at school) in 2020 across the world, they tend to be limited, in particular because children are 30 to 50% less likely to be infected with the virus than adults “.
According to the study, which looked at one of the most controversial topics since the start of the pandemic, two other reasons explain why these outbreaks are being measured. Since students have mild forms of the virus, adults are able to protect themselves effectively. In addition, infected children, especially those under the age of 10, are likely to be less contagious than adults.
Bleach wants to reassure teachers
Jean-Michel Blanquer was keen to cut the controversy short: the saliva tests deployed at school will be carried out by “health personnel” and not by teachers. In recent days, a note from the ministry had caused trouble, suggesting that these might be called upon to vaccinate. “Everyone is in their profession,” replied Jean-Michel Blanquer, who however stated that the teaching staff “can be voluntary to help in the supervision (…) or the administrative follow-up” of the testing campaign.
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