Study Finds School Closures Ineffective in Preventing COVID-19 Spread

A two-year review by researchers at McMaster University suggests that school closures may not have been necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as schools and daycares were not significant sources of virus transmission when infection prevention and control measures were in place. The review, published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, found that strategies such as masking, vaccinations, and test-to-stay policies were effective in reducing COVID-19 spread in educational settings, while measures like mandatory quarantining and hybrid learning showed uncertain effectiveness. The review also highlighted the negative impacts of school closures on educational disparities, social and emotional development, and mental health, and emphasized the importance of keeping schools open with appropriate measures in place.