🧵 on asymptomatic testing in schools:
Testing is one of the tools in our toolbox of risk controls to keep schools open and safe for in-person learning.
Framework explained with @AmyGreerKalisz @AshTuite theglobeandmail.com/opinion/articl…
And in school guidance: sickkids.ca/en/news/archiv…
1/
Testing is one of the tools in our toolbox of risk controls to keep schools open and safe for in-person learning.
Framework explained with @AmyGreerKalisz @AshTuite theglobeandmail.com/opinion/articl…
And in school guidance: sickkids.ca/en/news/archiv…
1/
COVID testing should prioritize the highest transmission risk groups
= symptomatic + asymptomatic high-risk contacts as identified by contact tracing
This relies on robust #TestTrace systems. But
2/
= symptomatic + asymptomatic high-risk contacts as identified by contact tracing
This relies on robust #TestTrace systems. But
2/
This approach does NOT necessarily detect large # asymptomatic/symptomatic individuals (see serology studies) esp if insufficient resources to follow-up cases and trace contacts.
What can asymptomatic screening (with rapid Ag or PCR test) ADD?
3/
What can asymptomatic screening (with rapid Ag or PCR test) ADD?
3/
[screening looks for (+) in ppl WHO DON'T THINK they have the disease i.e. no symptoms/contacts]
Needs action to break transmission chain:
Test + = PCR + self-isolate
Test - = may still be infected, follow PH measures
(e.g. pop-ups in NS, NL)
H/T @LisaBarrettID @Monika_Dutt
4/
Needs action to break transmission chain:
Test + = PCR + self-isolate
Test - = may still be infected, follow PH measures
(e.g. pop-ups in NS, NL)
H/T @LisaBarrettID @Monika_Dutt
4/
Ottawa had school-based "targeted asymptomatic" testing in Fall (piloted in GTA, Peel, York too) in high-prevalence areas.
+ rapid testing in last 3 wkds
(H/T @OttawaHealth @CHEO, school boards)
Summary of first 2 clinics:
ottawapublichealth.ca/en/reports-res…
(PS: data updated weekly)
5/
+ rapid testing in last 3 wkds
(H/T @OttawaHealth @CHEO, school boards)
Summary of first 2 clinics:
ottawapublichealth.ca/en/reports-res…
(PS: data updated weekly)
5/
Lessons learned:
- Multisectoral partnerships required! Staffing, testing, school comms, PH f/u, supports
- "those with risk factors for exposure to COVID-19 may have been more likely to present for testing"
= served needs of high-risk + low-risk students, families, staff
6/
- Multisectoral partnerships required! Staffing, testing, school comms, PH f/u, supports
- "those with risk factors for exposure to COVID-19 may have been more likely to present for testing"
= served needs of high-risk + low-risk students, families, staff
6/
Similar barriers to assessment centres:
1. Accessibility: if we build it, won't they come?
2. Acceptability: nasal swabs > NP
3. Adoptability: testing uptake only if community buys into it (= what's in it for us?)
= clear opportunities for improved testing in/out of schools
7/
1. Accessibility: if we build it, won't they come?
2. Acceptability: nasal swabs > NP
3. Adoptability: testing uptake only if community buys into it (= what's in it for us?)
= clear opportunities for improved testing in/out of schools
7/
There's urgency to get this right with the evolving epi and restrictions.
As #TTI processes are improved, we rely on each other's actions:
* prevention: masks, distance, no indoor gatherings, handwashing, isolation as directed
* detection: get tested as directed by PH
end/
As #TTI processes are improved, we rely on each other's actions:
* prevention: masks, distance, no indoor gatherings, handwashing, isolation as directed
* detection: get tested as directed by PH
end/
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