In-person learning low risk for COVID-19 acquisition: Findings from a population-based analysis of the 2020-2021 school year in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused substantial disruption to in-person learning, often interfering with the social and educational experience of children and youth across North America, and frequently impacting the greater community by limiting the ability of parents and caregivers to work outside the home. Real-world evidence related to the risk of COVID-19 transmission in school settings can help inform decisions around initiating, continuing, or suspending in-person learning.

Methods: We analyzed routinely collected case-based surveillance data from Saskatchewan's electronic integrated public health system, Panorama, from the 2020-2021 school year, spanning various phases of the pandemic (including the Alpha variant wave), to better understand the risk of in-school transmission of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan schools.

Results: The majority (over 80%) of school-associated COVID-19 infections were acquired outside the school setting. This finding suggests that the non-pharmaceutical measures in place (including masking, distancing, enhanced hygiene, and cohorting) worked to limit viral spread in schools.

Conclusion: Implementation of such control measures may play an essential role in allowing children and youth to safely maintain in-person learning during the pandemic.