Schools and COVID

Telethon Kids Institute supports the decision to open WA schools for face-to-face learning at the start of the school year on January 31. Assuming that between now and then community transmission of COVID-19 does not escalate dramatically in WA, parents, children and educators should have little concern about this decision. 

The experience of other states shows that, even when community transmission begins, it takes weeks for substantial community transmission to be established. WA is already ahead of the game, with measures already in place such as mask mandates, childhood vaccination and adult boosters, some social distancing measures and controls at large events and venues expected to help slow transmission of the virus – delaying and hopefully reducing the magnitude of the peak in cases.  As a result, there may be several weeks until the high-risk period for community transmission occurs.

Even once COVID is spreading widely in the WA community, Telethon Kids believes schools should be among the first to open and the last to close, and that face-to-face learning should be maintained where possible. Research from our Institute confirms that every school day matters and contributes to overall education outcomes. In the current circumstances in WA, the benefits to children of face-to-face learning in schools (rights of children to have the best possible education, importance of the school environment for maintaining children’s’ social and emotional wellbeing, avoiding the economic impact and inequality of online learning) outweigh the risks (rare occurrence of serious COVID disease in children, low risk of transmission to vaccinated school staff, possible risk of transmission to family members of students and staff).

However, all involved need to feel confident they are being provided with as safe an environment as possible.

We acknowledge that the concerns of staff about the health risk to them and their loved ones, and parents about the risk not only to their children but also to others in their household, are an important consideration. 

Therefore, it is essential that a decision to retain face-to-face learning at schools is accompanied by a comprehensive range of measures that minimise risk to children and also recognise the risks for school staff, and of onward transmission to households and the wider community.

This means reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission at school, managing transmission events carefully when they occur, and giving confidence to parents, children and staff that a sensible, evidence-based approach is being undertaken. This can only be achieved by a planned, coordinated and clearly communicated strategy, developed and shared as a matter of urgency.

Telethon Kids Institute believes the following elements should be part of this strategy and in place well in advance of established community transmission: 

1. Ensure mandated vaccination, including boosters, of teaching and other school staff. This alone should provide enormous comfort: individuals who have received three doses of vaccine are less likely to be infected or to develop symptomatic COVID-19, and those who do will be strongly protected against severe disease and complications.
2. Encourage vaccination of all school-aged children, consider accelerating the two-dose schedule in 5-11 year olds. Vaccines are an important part of the strategy, albeit less critical than in older age groups. Medically at-risk children should be prioritised for their first and second doses – now three weeks apart as per ATAGI advice. Those with confirmed immune compromise will receive a 3^rd dose 2–6 months after the 2^nd While not appropriate to delay face-to-face learning until more children are immunised, we encourage the State Government to consider reducing the interval between doses for 5-11 year old children.  This falls within ATAGI advice and is appropriate given the impending high rates of community transmission. It will also give more confidence to children, parents and teaching staff.
3. A comprehensive approach to reducing risk of transmission in schools, prepared and thoroughly communicated ASAP. Elements should include:
   1. Mandate and enforce mask-wearing for staff and students in Year 3 and above except where not possible; encourage masks for younger students where possible. This alone reduces transmission risk in schools by more than 20%.
   2. Thorough ventilation assessments of all teaching spaces in schools; increase ventilation flow using open windows, open doors and fans. This will further reduce COVID infections by more than 30%. Can be augmented by providing outdoor learning spaces where feasible.
   3. Make portable HEPA filters widely available in schools, ideally in all teaching spaces. These are highly effective: when combined with ventilation measures will reduce COVID infections in schools by almost 50%. 
   4. Continue existing measures regarding cleaning, hand hygiene, social distancing, restricting large gatherings, minimising parents and others on school grounds and ensuring that parents keep children with symptoms home from school.
   5. Comprehensive testing plan – not just for symptomatic individuals – using rapid antigen tests (RATs). Regular (minimum twice weekly) testing at home for all schoolchildren, with guidance on confirmation, isolation and contact tracing in the event of a positive test. Requires provision of free RATs to student households and clear guidance on usage protocols, reporting of results, and when to stay home. Procurement of large numbers of RATs a priority.
4. Prepare for potential workforce shortages due to positive cases or contacts having to isolate.
   1. Plan for the possibility that uninfected or asymptomatic isolating staff may be able to undertake some duties while isolating; redeployment of other staff; or other measures
   2. Plan for possibility of intermittent partial or full school closures with a move to online learning – this should be as short-term as possible
   3. Keep families up-to-date with latest changes and encourage students and families to stay connected using all possible strategies available to schools – email, blogs, social media and school websites.
5. Closely monitor and be willing to change the plan as required, ensuring excellent lines of communication with staff, parents and children throughout.

Everyone has become accustomed to uncertainty and the need for rapid change as circumstances evolve. Anxiety levels will only increase with lack of communication. Even a message that ‘we are working on it and will get back to you’ will be reassuring.

We encourage leaders in both health and education to work closely together to ensure a great start to school in 2022 for WA kids.