Rapid Review Update 7: What is the specific role of daycares and schools in COVID-19 transmission?

Abstract

Background: As jurisdictions continue to lift restrictions implemented to slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), they face major decisions about how to re-open and operate schools and daycares. While children are known to be effective vectors for other viruses, such as influenza, their role in the transmission of COVID-19 is much less clear. This rapid review was produced to support public health decision makers’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This review seeks to identify, appraise and summarize emerging research evidence to support evidence-informed decision making. This rapid review is based on the most recent research evidence available at the time of release. A previous version was completed on September 14, 2020. This updated version includes evidence available up to September 14, 2020. In this rapid evidence review, we answer the question: What is the specific role of daycares and schools in COVID-19 transmission?