I'm in Wake County in North Carolina, and we're a little confused about how Delta would change public health measures for schools.
Our school district takes their advice from the NIH-funded ABC Science Collaborative, which published a recommended plan for school districts on June 30, 2021 (https://abcsciencecollaborative.org/wp-content/u…
I'm in Wake County in North Carolina, and we're a little confused about how Delta would change public health measures for schools.
Our school district takes their advice from the NIH-funded ABC Science Collaborative, which published a recommended plan for school districts on June 30, 2021 (https://abcsciencecollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ABC_year-in-review_29jun2021-final.pdf). Overall the report seemed to adhere to last year's best practices and research findings, and not take into account the increased infectiousness of Delta. Specifically, they don't recommend any SARS-CoV-2 screening testing because, "No existing data support the need for screening testing to ensure safe, in-person education when masking is in place" (Page 11).
It was also my understanding that regular SARS-CoV-2 Screening is recommended by the CDC and NC DHHS (e.g, https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/2242/open) during times of high community transmission (which, I would think would be now).
My understanding is that the original authors of the report (chairs are Zimmerman and Benjamin) believe that masks are equally as effective regardless of the strain. And that testing is unnecessary in schools even when community transmission is high.
Have you covered this difference in recommendations -- specifically screening testing in schools vs. not screening? Thank you!
I'm in Wake County in North Carolina, and we're a little confused about how Delta would change public health measures for schools.
Our school district takes their advice from the NIH-funded ABC Science Collaborative, which published a recommended plan for school districts on June 30, 2021 (https://abcsciencecollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ABC_year-in-review_29jun2021-final.pdf). Overall the report seemed to adhere to last year's best practices and research findings, and not take into account the increased infectiousness of Delta. Specifically, they don't recommend any SARS-CoV-2 screening testing because, "No existing data support the need for screening testing to ensure safe, in-person education when masking is in place" (Page 11).
However, I've noticed a some of the more progressive school districts implementing mandatory testing of students and staff (LAUSD), as well as researchers recommending it in addition to masking (https://covsim.hosted-wordpress.oit.ncsu.edu/files/2021/08/covsim-covid-19-school-policies-part-02.pdf).
It was also my understanding that regular SARS-CoV-2 Screening is recommended by the CDC and NC DHHS (e.g, https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/2242/open) during times of high community transmission (which, I would think would be now).
My understanding is that the original authors of the report (chairs are Zimmerman and Benjamin) believe that masks are equally as effective regardless of the strain. And that testing is unnecessary in schools even when community transmission is high.
Have you covered this difference in recommendations -- specifically screening testing in schools vs. not screening? Thank you!
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