An evidence-based theory of change for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in reopened schools. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonell, Chris; Melendez-Torres, G.J.; Viner, Russell M.; Rogers, M. Brooke; Whitworth, Michael; Rutter, Harry; Rubin, G. James; Patton, George
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 64(2020:Jul.)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- SARSCoV2 -- Schools -- Environment -- Disease control -- Prevention; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102398
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Schools have closed worldwide as part of measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission but are beginning to reopen in some countries. Various measures are being pursued to minimise transmission but existing guidance has not developed a comprehensive framework or theory of change. We present a framework informed by the occupational health hierarchy of control and a theory of change informed by realist approaches. We present measures focused on elimination, substitution, engineering, administration, education and personal protective equipment. We theorise that such measures offer a means of disrupting SARS-CoV-2 transmission via routes involving fomites, faeco-oral routes, droplets and aerosols. Highlights: Schools have been closed worldwide to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission but are beginning to reopen in a number of countries. Existing guidance on measures to prevention transmission has not developed a comprehensive framework or theory of change. We present a framework for measures informed by the occupational health hierarchy of control and a theory of change. We theorise that, together, such measures offer a means of disrupting SARS-CoV-2 transmission.