Resources Required for Implementation of SARS-CoV-2 Screening in Massachusetts K-12 Public Schools in Winter/Spring 2021

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Resources Required for Implementation of SARS-CoV-2 Screening in Massachusetts K-12 Public Schools in Winter/Spring 2021
Language: English
Authors: Lee, Stephanie S. (ORCID 0000-0003-1913-1820), Weitz, Michelle, Ardlie, Kristin, Bantham, Amy, Schuckel, Michele Fronk, Goehringer, Katey, Hogue, Caitlin, Hosking, Rosy, Mortimer, Kathleen, Saadat, Alham, Seaman-Chandler, Jill, Linas, Benjamin P., Ciaranello, Andrea
Source: Journal of School Health. May 2022 92(5):474-484.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Descriptors: COVID-19, Pandemics, Screening Tests, Program Implementation, Elementary Schools, Secondary Schools, School Districts, Incidence, Costs, Planning
Geographic Terms: Massachusetts
DOI: 10.1111/josh.13152
ISSN: 0022-4391
Abstract: Background: The financial costs and human resource requirements at the school and district level to implement a SARS-CoV-2 screening program are not well known. Methods: A consortium of Massachusetts public K-12 schools was formed to implement and evaluate a range of SARS-CoV-2 screening approaches. Participating districts were surveyed weekly about their programs, including--type of assay used, individual vs. pooled screening, approaches to return of results and deconvolution of positive pools, number and type of personnel, and hours spent implementing the screening program, and hours spent on program implementation. Results: In 21 participating districts, over 21 weeks from January to June 2021, the positivity rate was 0.0% to 0.21% among students and 0.0% to 0.13% among educators/staff. The average weekly cost to implement a screening program, including assay and personnel costs, was $17.00 per person tested; this was $46.68 for individual screenings and $15.61 for pooled screenings. The total weekly costs by district ranged from $1,644 to $93,486, and districts screened between 58 and 3675 people per week. Conclusions: Where screening is recommended for the 2021 to 2022 school year due to high COVID-19 incidence, understanding the human resources and finances required to implement screening will assist district policymakers in planning.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1333033
Database: ERIC
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