Thread by @drsanjaygupta

As a parent and a doctor - I never thought the question of sending my kids to school would become politicized. (1/9)

But as schools decide whether or not to let students and teachers return to school - I wanted to know what science says about the role of kids in transmission. (2/9)
cnn.it/2CqKWbS

While there are some severe outcomes, most children appear to have milder symptoms when they get infected. But one study by virologist @c_drosten found that kids have just as much virus as adults – making them potentially just as infectious. (3/9)

But some experts say that their smaller stature makes for less powerful coughs and sneezes – and less efficient at spreading the virus. (4/9)

One study in France found that a 9-year-old boy with Covid-19 exposed over 80 classmates – not one of those students got sick. (5/9)
bit.ly/32OT551

In New South Wales 9 infected students and 9 infected staff members exposed 735 students and 128 staff members. Only 2 secondary infections resulted, one possibly transmitted by an adult to a child. (6/9)
bit.ly/2ZHUurQ

We’ve seen schools in Germany and Norway welcome students back – with strict social distancing and masks – and still keep case counts low. But when social distancing restrictions are lifted early – like in Israel – large outbreaks followed the return to class. (7/9)

We also have to remember that @KFF found nearly a quarter of our teachers have health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or are older – all conditions that make them more vulnerable to the coronavirus. (8/9)

It’s a tough decision for parents, teachers, and administrators. I asked the administrator at my own kids’ school – what's your biggest concern? He said space to ensure kids can be socially distanced. One thing we do know: distancing and masks – keeps us all safe. (9/9)