In my job as a doctor I handle risk assessment regularly. I am also a parent to two kids. My daughter has been sent home to quarantine due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in her class. I have some concerns as it pertains to Covid containment in schools. 1/ @tdsb @TOPublicHealth
High risk ppl (confirmed close contact w covid19) are in the SAME lineups as low risk ppl (runny nose).These lineups are LONG rn.If you don't believe me check out covidwaits.com. Social distancing is not always maintained. Glad these lines are mostly outdoors for now. 2/
Turnaround times are the SAME for high risk people vs. those with a runny nose, sometimes up to a week now. While I'd like to think everyone is self-isolating while they are waiting for results, in reality we know that there are a lot of people who will not, or cannot. 3/
How about schools? @tdsb screener does not prevent a healthy kid to go to school unless they have been in close contact w a CONFIRMED case. This means while a high risk kid (like mine) is waiting 6 days for test results, their sib can go to school. 4/ toronto.ca/wp-content/upl…
Since 30% of kids with COVID are asymptomatic, this means that the close sibling could be at risk of spreading COVID in their classroom while their high risk sibling awaits results. 5/
To get a handle on things ASAP, a coordinated effort should be made separate high risk tests and prioritize turnaround times/test options for those w high risk exposures. School screener should reflect current realities of testing to keep schools safe. 6/
Kids belong in school. Testing strategies should be coordinated with other proven measures: smaller class sizes, prioritizing outdoor spaces, hygiene measures, etc. I'm worried that given rising numbers- our schools won't be able to remain open safely through the fall. 7/ fin
If i am somehow mistaken about any of the facts listed here, I am happy to be corrected. I have tried my best to check protocol in test centres and school documents provided to me. @BogochIsaac @MalikaHSharma @TorontoIDDoc @DFisman @drmwarner
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