Abstract |
Background In-school transmission of COVID-19 among K-12
students is low when mitigation layers are used, but the risk of
acquiring COVID-19 during school bus transportation is not well defined.
Given the operational limitations of many school districts, more data
is needed to determine what mitigation is required to keep COVID-19
transmission low during bus transport. Methods An independent school in
Virginia monitored 1154 students in grades 1 to 12 with asymptomatic PCR
testing every 2 weeks from August 24, 2020 to March 19, 2021, during
the highest community transmission. Fifteen buses served 462 students
while operating at near capacity of 2 students in every seat, using a
physical distancing minimum of 2.5 ft, universal masking, and simple
ventilation techniques. Results A total of 39 individuals were present
on buses during their COVID-19 infectious period, which resulted in the
quarantine of 52 students. Universal testing and contact tracing
revealed no transmission linked to bus transportation. Conclusions This
study demonstrates a model for the safe operation of school buses while
near capacity. COVID-19 transmission can be low during student transport
when employing mitigation including simple ventilation, and universal
masking, at minimal physical distances and during the highest community
transmission. |